Central Coast Mariners FC

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Central Coast Mariners FC
Central Coast FC Logo
Full name Central Coast Mariners
Football Club
Nickname(s) The Mariners, The Coast
Founded 2004
Ground Bluetongue Central Coast Stadium,
Gosford
(Capacity 20,119[I])
Chairman Flag of Australia Ian Kiernan
Manager Flag of Australia Lawrie McKinna
League A-League
2007-08 1st (league)
Team colours Team colours Team colours
Team colours
Team colours
　
Home colours
Team colours Team colours Team colours
Team colours
Team colours
　
Away colours

Central Coast Mariners Football Club, also known as The Mariners or The Coast, are an Australian professional football (soccer) team based on the Central Coast of New South Wales, Australia. They participate in the A-League and are one of three teams from the state of New South Wales playing in the competition. The Mariners were the first professional football (soccer) club from the Central Coast to compete in a national competition,[1][2] and were formed during 2004 for the foundation of the A-League in 2005–06. Despite being considered one of the smaller franchises at the inception of the A-League competition,[2][3] Central Coast qualified for the first four domestic finals after their establishment.[4] The Mariners had a successful first season, winning the 2005 Pre-Season Cup and losing in the A-League grand final to Sydney FC.[5]

Central Coast made the final of the Pre-Season Cup again in 2006, however lost to Adelaide United. The Mariners came sixth in the 2006–07 A-League competition, and failed to qualify for the finals series.[6]. The Mariners claimed their first A-League premiership in 2007-08 by goal difference, holding on after starting the season strongly. The Mariners defeated derby rivals Newcastle Jets in the major semi-final to qualify for the Grand Final, which they lost to the Jets 1-0, in the 64th minute.[7]

Contents

[edit] History

The Central Coast Mariners' bid for a franchise in the Football Federation Australia's (FFA) new A-League competition aimed to fill the one spot for a regional team that was designated by the FFA.[8] Media speculation prior to announcement of the franchises in the new league suggested that the Mariners bid may be favourable due to its new blood. Backing from former Australian national team player and club technical director Alex Tobin, as well as Clean Up Australia personality Ian Kiernan - who would act as inaugural club chairman - also strengthened their proposal.[9] As the only regional bidder, the Mariners were expected to make it in to the league by default.[10] Following a reported signed deal with the FFA,[11] the club signed former Northern Spirit coach Lawrie McKinna as manager and Ian Ferguson, a former Rangers and Northern Spirit player as coach.[12] To aid the FFA's goals of building the profile of the sport, the Mariners created formal links with local state league team Central Coast United.[13] After much expectation, the club was announced as one of eight teams to become part of Football Australia's domestic competition, the Hyundai A-League on November 1, 2004.[14][15]

At the time of the formation of the new league in 2004, the club was owned by Spirits Sports and Leisure Group.[16] The club announced early on its search for a star player under the leagues' allowance for one star player outside of the $1.5 million salary cap, insisting that the player should not look at the position as a retirement fund.[17] Coach Lawrie McKinna sought interest from Australia national football team players Ante Milicic and Simon Colosimo, and also announced that he may sign more than the three required under-20 players.[18] Early concerns for the club centred around the concerns over financial stability, but after forming a partnership with technology giants Toshiba and a cash injection from local businessman John Singleton, the clubs financial worries were eased.[19][20] McKinna was keen to sign local player Damien Brown of Bateau Bay, formerly of the Newcastle Jets.[21] In a decision which prompted the player to declare that he was "over the moon", Brown became the first player to sign with the club. Club chairman Lyall Gorman was pleased that a local had become a "foundation player" and part of Brown's role would be to assist with selection of younger players from the local area.[22] By early December 2004, the club had created a steady foundation of player signings and began negotiations with former Perth Glory striker Nik Mrdja,[23] signing him later in the month as their star striker.[24] Mrjda was one of the most prominent players in the last season of the National Soccer League, shooting the final goal to secure Perth Glory's finals win.[25] The club management were reluctant to sign a star player outside of the $1.5 million salary cap, stipulating that they "would have to contribute on the pitch and get people to come to the ground."[26]

The Mariners celebrate their 2005 Pre-Season Cup win at Bluetongue Central Coast Stadium.
The Mariners celebrate their 2005 Pre-Season Cup win at Bluetongue Central Coast Stadium.

The Mariners' inaugural season was considered a resounding success by many,[3][27] with the team reaching the A-League grand final after finishing third during the regular season.[28] They were defeated by Sydney FC 1–0 in the grand final, playing in front of a crowd of 41,689 - a competition record at the time.[29] The Mariners also won the 2005 Pre-Season Cup, defeating Perth Glory in the final 1–0.[30]

The Mariners developed a strong rivalry with Newcastle Jets throughout their first season, often referred to as the "F3 derby".[31] The naming is a reference to the unofficial designation of the Sydney-Newcastle Freeway, the major motorway which joins the two clubs.[32]

Prior to the 2006–07 season, the Mariners secured the services of then Australian international Tony Vidmar from NAC Breda for two years.[33] This was the Mariners' first marquee signing, following the lead of Sydney FC (Dwight Yorke) and Adelaide United (Qu Shengqing).[34] The Coast again reached the grand final of the Pre-Season Cup, losing to Adelaide United 5-4 on penalties after scores were tied 1–1 after extra time.[35] Central Coast then participated in the 2006–07 A-League season, however were unable to gain a spot in the final series, finishing sixth after the regular season.[6]

Club captain Noel Spencer was signed by Sydney FC after the 2006–07 season, and Alex Wilkinson was appointed the new captain. Only 22 years of age at the time, Wilkinson had played every competitive match for the Mariners up to his appointment.[36] However, Wilkinson risks losing the captaincy to Socceroo striker John Aloisi, should Aloisi re-sign with the club as their marquee player for the 2008–09 season.[37]

[edit] Colours and badge

Team colours Team colours Team colours
Team colours
Team colours
Mariners' A-League 2005–06 away strip

The Mariners' home jersey is yellow with a navy left sleeve and a stripe on the right sleeve. The companion shorts have a yellow cut running up the seam and are matched with yellow socks. Their away uniform is similar, with white jersey and socks and slightly different shorts.[38]

The Mariners enjoyed considerable success in the 2005–06 away strip.[39] In twelve competitive matches, the Mariners achieved five wins, six draws and only one loss. The loss to derby rivals Newcastle was the only time the Mariners failed to score while playing away in the 2005–06 season.[39]

The team logo is a yellow football at the centre of a blue curling wave, which symbolises the beaches of the Central Coast.[40]

[edit] Stadium

Main article: Bluetongue Central Coast Stadium
Bluetongue Central Coast Stadium, with Brisbane Water shown partially at the top.
Bluetongue Central Coast Stadium, with Brisbane Water shown partially at the top.

The Central Coast Mariners play their home games at Bluetongue Central Coast Stadium, Gosford. It is located in Grahame Park, between the Gosford CBD and the Brisbane Water foreshore. It is constructed to make the most of its location, being open at the southern end, giving filtered views of Brisbane Water through a row of large palm trees. It is within walking distance of Gosford railway station and is adjacent to the Central Coast Leagues Club.[41]

Two other names for the stadium have been used during the Mariners' tenancy: Central Coast Express Advocate Stadium and Central Coast Stadium.[42][43]

As of December 2007, the Mariners are the only national sporting team to use the stadium. The Central Coast Rays rugby union team also used the stadium in the Australian Rugby Championship's only season in 2007.

While the stadium has a capacity of 20,119,[I] the Mariners highest attendance is 19,238 against Newcastle Jets in its round 19 the 2007-08 season.[44]

[edit] Supporters

The Marinators at an away game against rivals Newcastle Jets.
The Marinators at an away game against rivals Newcastle Jets.

The main supporter base of the Central Coast Mariners is called the Marinators.[45] The Marinators are an obvious presence at home games played at Bluetongue Central Coast Stadium, Gosford and are known for their continuous singing and support coming primarily from Bay 16, which is directly behind the goal posts at the northern end of the stadium.[46][47] Standard chants include the Yellow Submarine-inspired "We all follow a yellow football team", a reference to the colour of the team's kit.[48]

The Marinators are a loose informal self-identifying support base that is vocal and encourages the wearing of yellow. There was no fee or formal membership-based group during the first two seasons of the A-League competition; they received donations from members and sponsorships from local businesses in the Central Coast region and from the Central Coast Mariners Football Club. They became particularly visible through selling Marinators shirts during the lead up to the inaugural A-League season, before replica shirts were available.[49]

On May 19, 2007 the Marinators established a formal support structure when they set up a sub-club of Central Coast Leagues Club. The official 'Marinators Club' enables the co-ordinators to be more accountable for funds raised and spent, and also allows for some public liability insurance for any 'Marinators Club' trips or outings.[49]

[edit] Current squad

Further information: List of Central Coast Mariners FC players
As of January 3, 2008. Players in bold have senior international caps.
Name and position No Joined in Former team Birth date Citizenship
Goalkeepers
Matthew Trott 1 2005 Central Coast Lightning 9 June 1985 Australian
Danny Vukovic 20 2005 Bonnyrigg White Eagles 27 March 1985 Australian
Andrew Redmayne 30 2007 AIS 13 January 1989 Australian
Defenders
Paul O'Grady 13 2005 Marconi Stallions 6 November 1978 Australian
Dean Heffernan 8 2005 Marconi Stallions 19 May 1980 Australian
Andrew Clark 15 2005 APIA Leichhardt 24 August 1974 Australian
Nigel Boogaard 16 2005 Central Coast Lightning 14 August 1986 Australian
Alex Wilkinson captain 18 2005 Manly United 13 August 1984 Australian
Midfielders
Ian McAndrew 4 2007 Central Coast Lightning 23 February 1989 Australian
Brad Porter 5 2006 AIS 19 February 1987 Australian
André Gumprecht 6 2005 Parramatta Power 26 November 1974 German
John Hutchinson 7 2005 Manly United 29 December 1979 Australian
Greg Owens 12 2007 Adelaide United 27 January 1981 Australian
Matthew Osman 17 2005 Penrith Nepean United 29 July 1983 Australian
Ahmad Elrich 21 2008 Wellington Phoenix 30 May 1981 Australian
Mile Jedinak 23 2006 Sydney United 3 August 1984 Australian
Adrian Caceres 10 2008 Melbourne Victory 10 January 1982 Australian
Strikers
Matt Simon 2 2006 Central Coast Lightning 22 January 1986 Australian
Nik Mrdja 9 2005 AIK 30 November 1978 Australian
Dylan Macallister 11 2008 Lyn Oslo 17 May 1982 Australian
Adam Kwasnik 19 2005 Blacktown City 31 May 1983 Australian
Sasho Petrovski 22 2007 Sydney FC 5 March 1975 Australian

[edit] Notable players

The Mariners have secured the services of a number of internationally-capped players since forming prior to the 2005–06 A-League season. This has included seven members of the Australian national team, including three (Tony Vidmar, Michael Beauchamp and Nik Mrdja) who played in the Socceroo team whilst playing for Central Coast.[50][51] Central Coast have also had one Scottish international, Ian Ferguson make a short-term appearance.[52]

  • Flag of Australia Tom Pondeljak (2005–08), who has made four appearances for Australia. Pondeljak made his four appearances all during 2002.[64]
  • Flag of Australia John Aloisi (2007–08), who has been capped 54 times for Australia scoring 27 goals. He is most widely known for scoring the final penalty that got Australia to the 2006 World Cup in Germany as well as scoring one of the goals in the 3-1 victory over Japan in that tournament.

[edit] Records

As of October 21, 2007. Only competitive matches are counted.

Club captain Alex Wilkinson and striker Adam Kwasnik have played the most games for the Mariners in A-League competition, with 47. Wilkinson played in every competitive match for the Central Coast Mariners during the first two seasons of the A-League competition.[36]

Australian Adam Kwasnik has scored the most goals for Central Coast in the A-League competition, with 11. Kwasnik has also converted the most penalty kicks for the Mariners, with four.[66]

The Mariners highest attendance at their home stadium, Bluetongue Central Coast Stadium, is 19,238 against the Newcastle Jets in its round 19 match of the 2007-08 season. This was the second highest crowd at the ground for any sport since the ground's first match in February 2000.

The Mariners have a short tradition of playing matches on New Years Eve, and have experienced increased turnouts to fixtures on this date.[67]

Regular season top scorers
Name Goals Games Average Years
1 Flag of Australia Adam Kwasnik 14 59 0.23 2005-
2 Flag of Australia John Hutchinson 10 52 0.02 2005-
3 Flag of Australia Dean Heffernan 9 38 0.23 2005-
4 Flag of Australia Tom Pondeljak 7 52 0.13 2005-
5 Flag of Australia John Aloisi 7 12 0.58 2007-
6 Flag of Australia Sasho Petrovski 6 19 0.31 2007-
7 Flag of Australia Nik Mrdja 3 12 0.25 2005-

[edit] Club officials

[edit] Board of Directors

  • President: Flag of Australia Ian Kiernan
  • Chairman: Flag of Australia Lyall Gorman
  • Deputy Chairman: Flag of Australia Peter Turnbull
  • Chief Executive Officer: Flag of Australia John McKay

[edit] Management

[edit] Managers

As of October 28, 2007. Only competitive matches are counted.

Since forming prior to the 2005–06 A-League season, the Central Coast Mariners have had only one manager.

Name Nat. From To Record
P W D L F A
Lawrie McKinna Flag of Scotland 2004 present 69 30 31 18 81 62

[edit] Achievements

[edit] Notes

I^i ^ii : Currently, the official Bluetongue Central Coast Stadium website lists the capacity as 20,059 whereas both Central Coast Mariners FC and AuStadiums list it as 20,119.[1][69][70] The all-time record crowd at the stadium is also 20,059 - recorded during a NRL match - making it implausible for that figure to also be the maximum capacity.
II^ : Ferguson played for the Mariners whilst acting as assistant coach of the club.[2] This was due to a desperate lack of player numbers through injury during the Mariners' 2005–06 season.
III^ : Clark acts as Strength & Conditioning manager as an extension of his playing duties for the club.[71]

[edit] References

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  29. ^ a b "Trinidad's Yorke inspires Sydney FC to league title", Caribbean Net News, 2006-03-06. Retrieved on 2006-11-22. 
  30. ^ a b "Mariners win Pre-Season Cup", A-League official website, 2005-08-20. Retrieved on 2006-11-12. 
  31. ^ "Fans steamed up for derby - if they get there", Sydney Morning Herald, 2006-11-11. Retrieved on 2006-11-23. 
  32. ^ "F3 derby set to light up EAS on Sunday", Newcastle United Jets official website, 2006-11-08. Retrieved on 2006-11-23. 
  33. ^ "Vidmar set for A-League debut", A-League official website, 2006-08-08. Retrieved on 2006-11-20. 
  34. ^ "Socceroo legend signs on with the Central Coast", Central Coast Mariners official website, 2006-08-04. Retrieved on 2006-08-04. 
  35. ^ a b "Adelaide win pre-season Cup", Aussie Football, 2006-08-20. Retrieved on 2007-03-25. 
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  37. ^ Aloisi To Decide On Future After Talks The Age, Retrieved on 27 December 2007
  38. ^ "Inside Central Coast: Yellow, Navy & White", Central Coast Mariners official website, 2006-08-30. Retrieved on 2006-09-30. 
  39. ^ a b "Yellow, Navy & White", Central Coast Mariners official website, 2006-08-30. Retrieved on 2006-12-01. 
  40. ^ "Exciting 2005 awaits the Central Coast", Central Coast Mariners official website, 2005-03-16. Retrieved on 2006-11-10. 
  41. ^ Central Coast Stadium transport information. Retrieved on 2006-11-08.
  42. ^ "Favourite Mariners Moment #1", Gosford: Central Coast Mariners official website, 2006-02-17. Retrieved on 2006-11-14. 
  43. ^ "Hyundai A-League draw announced", Gosford: Central Coast Mariners official website, 2005-03-07. Retrieved on 2006-11-14. 
  44. ^ "Jets finals bound after derby win", Gosford: Foxsports, 2008-01-12. Retrieved on 2008-01-13. 
  45. ^ "Derby travel information", Central Coast Mariners official website, 2006-11-08. Retrieved on 2006-11-08. 
  46. ^ "Meet the Marinators - 'nomes'", Marinators web site, 2006-09-26. Retrieved on 2006-11-09. 
  47. ^ Seating plan for Bluetongue Central Coast Stadium. Retrieved on 2006-11-09.
  48. ^ Marinators.net - Sea Shanties (On Shore Leave). Retrieved on 2006-11-21.
  49. ^ a b Marinators - History & Background. Retrieved on 2006-11-22.
  50. ^ "Vidmar earns Socceroo call up", Central Coast Mariners official website, 2006-09-26. Retrieved on 2006-09-29. 
  51. ^ "Beauchamp stars in Socceroos triumph", Central Coast Mariners official website, 2006-02-24. Retrieved on 2007-09-21. 
  52. ^ "Ferguson set to play", A-League official website, 2005-10-07. Retrieved on 2006-11-10. 
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  55. ^ World Cup 2006: Australia statistics. BBC. Retrieved on 2007-03-25.
  56. ^ "Nürnberg add three", Football.co.uk, 2006-05-11. Retrieved on 2007-03-25. 
  57. ^ Damian Mori - Goals in International Matches. RSSSF. Retrieved on 2007-03-25.
  58. ^ The More The Merrier For Mori The Mariner. AusFootballReview. Retrieved on 2007-03-25.
  59. ^ "Doctors give Vidmar all clear to play again", Sydney Morning Herald, 2006-06-09. Retrieved on 2007-03-27. 
  60. ^ "Vidmar out of World Cup", SBS: The World Game, 2006-03-09. Retrieved on 2007-03-27. 
  61. ^ Shattered Dream. Planet World Cup. Retrieved on 2007-03-25.
  62. ^ a b Player Profile: Sasho Petrovski. Football Federation Australia. Retrieved on 2007-03-27.
  63. ^ 2006 A-League Playoff results. OzFootball. Retrieved on 2007-03-27.
  64. ^ Player Profile: Tom Pondeljak. Central Coast Mariners FC. Retrieved on 2007-09-16.
  65. ^ Argentina get home against gallant Australia. Football Federation Australia. Retrieved on 2007-09-16.
  66. ^ Player Profile: Adam Kwasnik. Central Coast Mariners official website. Retrieved on 2007-03-30.
  67. ^ "Hyundai A-League to return to Central Coast Stadium in September", Central Coast Stadium, 2006-05-01. Retrieved on 2007-03-30. 
  68. ^ Sydney FC: The road to Tokyo. Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA). Retrieved on 2007-03-25.
  69. ^ Stadium Profiles. Central Coast Mariners official website (2006-09-13). Retrieved on 2007-03-25.
  70. ^ Central Coast Stadium. AuStadiums. Retrieved on 2007-03-25.
  71. ^ "Clark gives Mariners pre-season approval", Central Coast Mariners official website, 2007-03-28. Retrieved on 2007-03-30. 

[edit] External links

Football in Australia
v • d • e

Governing body: Football Federation Australia

National leagues: A-League • Youth League | Former: National Soccer League
Hyundai A-League
v • d • e

Lists: Champions • Records • Foreign players

Seasons:  2005-06 • 2006-07 • 2007-08 • 2008-09

Teams:  Adelaide United • Central Coast Mariners
Melbourne Victory • Newcastle Jets • Perth Glory
Queensland Roar • Sydney FC • Wellington Phoenix

Defunct team: New Zealand Knights
Central Coast Mariners
v • d • e

Home: Bluetongue Central Coast Stadium, Gosford, New South Wales

Coach: Lawrie McKinna | Captain: Alex Wilkinson

Seasons: 2005-06 | 2006-07 | 2007-08 | 2008-09

Current squad: List of players | 1 Trott | 2 Simon | 3 O'Grady | 4 McAndrew | 5 Porter | 6 Gumprecht | 7 Hutchinson | 8 Heffernan | 9 Mrdja | 11 Brown | 13 Macallister | 12 Owens | 15 Clark | 16 Boogaard | 17 Osman | 18 Wilkinson | 19 Kwasnik | 20 Vukovic | 21 Elrich | 22 Petrovski | 23 Jedinak | 30 Redmayne