Central Coast Mariners FC
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| Central Coast Mariners FC | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Full name | Central Coast Mariners </br> Football Club | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Nickname(s) | The Mariners, The Yellows | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Founded | 2004 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ground | Bluetongue Central Coast Stadium, Gosford | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Capacity | 20,119<ref name="Capacity">Currently, the official Bluetongue Central Coast Stadium websiteLink lists the capacity as 20,059 whereas both Central Coast Mariners FCLink and AuStadiumsLink list it as 20,119. 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.</ref> | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Chairman | Image:Flag of Australia.svg Ian Kiernan | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Manager | Image:Flag of Scotland.svg Lawrie McKinna | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| League | A-League | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A-League 2005-06 | 2nd (final) 3rd (league) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Central Coast Mariners FC (also known as The Mariners) are an Australian professional football (soccer) team based in Gosford, 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 club from the Central Coast region to compete in any national competition,<ref>"Mariners pitch for soccer franchise", Sydney Morning Herald, 2005-03-18. Retrieved on 2006-11-08.</ref><ref name="CCS General">Central Coast Stadium general information. Retrieved on 2006-11-08.</ref> and were formed during 2004 for the foundation of the A-League in 2005-06.
Central Coast had a successful first season,<ref name="Success1">"Small Club - Big Heart", A-League official website, 2006-02-02. Retrieved on 2006-11-23.</ref> winning the 2005 Pre-Season Cup<ref>"Mariners win Pre-Season Cup", A-League official website, 2005-08-20. Retrieved on 2006-11-12.</ref> and losing in the grand final to Sydney FC.<ref>"Mariners into final", A-League official website, 2006-02-26. Retrieved on 2006-11-12.</ref><ref>"Sydney FC prevails", A-League official website, 2006-03-05. Retrieved on 2006-11-12.</ref> The Mariners have a strong rivalry with Newcastle Jets. It is often referred to as the "F3 derby", a reference to the unofficial designation of the Sydney-Newcastle Freeway, the major motorway which joins the two clubs.<ref>"Fans steamed up for derby - if they get there", Sydney Morning Herald, 2006-11-11. Retrieved on 2006-11-23.</ref><ref>"F3 derby set to light up EAS on Sunday", Newcastle United Jets official website, 2006-11-08. Retrieved on 2006-11-23.</ref>
Contents |
[edit] History
The Central Coast Mariners' bid for the Football Federation Australia's (FFA) new A-League was aimed to fill the space for one regional team in the competition.<ref>"Mariners pitch for soccer franchise", The Daily Telegraph (Sydney), 2004-08-11. Retrieved on 2006-06-27.</ref> 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, and backing from former Socceroos player and club technical director Alex Tobin, as well as Clean Up Australia personality Ian Kiernan, who would act as club chairman.<ref>"And then there were eight ... who's likely to make the cut, who's not", The Sun-Herald (Sydney), 2004-09-09. Retrieved on 2006-06-27.</ref> As the only regional bidder, the Mariners were expected to make it in to the league by default.<ref>"Increasing concern as new competition fails to inspire", The Sun-Herald (Sydney), 2004-09-26. Retrieved on 2006-06-27.</ref> Following a reported signed deal with the FFA,<ref>"Lions score in new national soccer league", The Courier Mail (Brisbane), 2004-10-09. Retrieved on 2006-06-27.</ref> the club signed former Northern Spirit coach Lawrie McKinna as football manager and Ian Ferguson, a former Rangers and Northern Spirit player as coach.<ref>"Harry now a Central figure", The Sun-Herald (Sydney), 2004-10-10. Retrieved on 2006-06-27.</ref> 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.<ref>"United tied to Mariners", The Sunday Telegraph (Sydney), 2004-10-24. Retrieved on 2006-06-27.</ref> Finally, after much expectation, on November 1, 2004 the club was announced as one of eight teams to become part of Football Australia's domestic competition, the Hyundai A-League.<ref>"New national soccer league launched", AAP Australian Sports News Wire, 2004-11-01. Retrieved on 2006-06-27.</ref><ref>"Central Coast Mariners: History", Central Coast Mariners official website, 2005. Retrieved on 2006-06-27.</ref>
At the time of the formation of the new league in 2004, the club was owned by Spirits Sports and Leisure Group.<ref>"Back to the drawing board ... a new era in Australian soccer", The Newcastle Herald (includes the Central Coast Herald), 2004-11-02. Retrieved on 2006-06-29.</ref> 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.<ref>"Scramble for players sets off A-League battle", AAP Australian Sports News Wire, 2004-11-02. Retrieved on 2006-06-29.</ref> Coach Lawrie McKinna sought interest from Socceroos players Ante Milicic and Simon Colosimo, however he also announced that he may sign more than the three required under-20 players.<ref>"Mariners' wish list - McKinna rates players", The Daily Telegraph (Sydney), 2004-11-03. Retrieved on 2006-06-29.</ref> Early concerns for the club centred around the likelihood of the club coping financially.<ref>"Mariners need to work hard on financial goals", The Daily Telegraph (Sydney), 2004-11-03. Retrieved on 2006-06-29.</ref> but after forming a partnership with technology giants Toshiba and a cash injection from local businessman John Singleton the clubs financial worries were eased.<ref>"Central Coast Stadium and Toshiba join Mariners", Central Coast Mariners official website, 2005-08-12. Retrieved on 2006-11-15.</ref> McKinna was keen for the signing of local player, Damien Brown of Bateau Bay, who had formerly played with the Newcastle Jets,<ref>"Tug of war for Brown - Mariners bid to sign Jets' star player", The Daily Telegraph (Sydney), 2004-11-05. Retrieved on 2006-06-29.</ref> and Brown was "over the moon" when he 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.<ref>"Mariner Brown - Wingback signs", The Daily Telegraph (Sydney), 2004-11-12. Retrieved on 2006-06-29.</ref> By early December 2004, the club had created a steady foundation of player signings and were beginning negotiations with former Perth Glory striker Nik Mrdja,<ref>"Mariners strengthen squad with more signings", The Daily Telegraph (Sydney), 2004-12-01. Retrieved on 2006-06-29.</ref> before signing him later in the month as their star striker.<ref>"Mrdja one of six to find A-League homes", AAP Australian Sports News Wire, 2004-12-14. Retrieved on 2006-06-29.</ref> Mrjda was the star of the last season of the National Soccer League shooting the final goal to secure Perth Glory's finals win.<ref>"Mariners get Grand Final hero", The Daily Telegraph (Sydney), 2004-12-15. Retrieved on 2006-06-29.</ref> 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."<ref>"Sydney FC out to win city's younger hearts", The Sun-Herald (Sydney), 2004-12-19. Retrieved on 2006-06-29.</ref>
The Mariners' inaugural season was considered a resounding success by many,<ref>"Central Coast Mariners – A season in retrospect", AusFootballReview, 2006-03-05. Retrieved on 2006-11-23.</ref><ref>"Player Profile - John Hutchinson", Central Coast Mariners official website, 2006-04-21. Retrieved on 2006-11-23.</ref><ref>"Rebel Sport to sponsor the Central Coast Mariners", Rebel Sport official website, 2006-09-01. Retrieved on 2006-11-23.</ref> with the team reaching the A-League Grand Final after finishing 3rd during the regular season.<ref>"Australian A-League Table - 2005/06", ESPNsoccernet. Retrieved on 2006-11-22.</ref> The Mariners also won the 2005 Pre-Season Cup, defeating Perth Glory in the final 1-0. In the A-League finals, Central Coast beat Newcastle Jets in the minor semi-final 2-1 after a 79th minute Dean Heffernan goal in the second leg,<ref>"Mariners progress after scintillating draw", Central Coast Mariners official website, 2006-02-17. Retrieved on 2006-11-18.</ref> and defeated Adelaide United in the preliminary final 1-0 at Hindmarsh Stadium with a goal from Tom Pondeljak.<ref>"Mariners in to Grand Final after memorable win", Central Coast Mariners official website, 2006-02-26. Retrieved on 2006-11-18.</ref> They lost to Sydney FC 1-0 in the Grand Final, playing in front of a crowd of 41,689 - a competition record.<ref>"Trinidad's Yorke inspires Sydney FC to league title", Caribbean Net News, 2006-03-06. Retrieved on 2006-11-22.</ref>
[edit] Current season
- Main article: Central Coast Mariners FC Season 2006-07
The Central Coast Mariners are currently participating in the 2006-07 A-League competition, hoping to build on their strong performance in the previous domestic season, which included a Pre-Season Cup title, a finals appearance in the World Club Qualification playoff and their participation in the inaugural A-League grand final.
Prior to the 2006-07 season, the Mariners secured the services of then Australian international Tony Vidmar from NAC Breda for two years.<ref>"Vidmar set for A-League debut", A-League official website, 2006-08-08. Retrieved on 2006-11-20.</ref> This was the Mariners' first marquee signing, following the lead of Sydney FC (Dwight Yorke) and Adelaide United (Qu Shengqing).<ref>"Socceroo legend signs on with the Central Coast", Central Coast Mariners official website, 2006-08-04. Retrieved on 2006-08-04.</ref> The club also has three Perth Glory FC players who played for the Perth-based team during the now-defunct NSL - Pondeljak, Mrdja and Gumprecht. All three were at Perth Glory at some stage between 2000 and 2004,<ref>Player Profile - Tom Pondeljak. Retrieved on 2006-11-24.</ref><ref>Player Profile - Andre Gumprecht. Retrieved on 2006-11-24.</ref><ref>Player Profile - Nik Mrdja. Retrieved on 2006-11-10.</ref> during which the team achieved two championships, three runners-up titles<ref>"Runners-up" in the NSL refers to the losing grand finalist, and not coming second in the normal season rounds. This is different to other competitions in the world, like EPL, where the final determiner of places is the normal season table.</ref> and three premierships.<ref>"Perth Glory history", Perth Glory official website, 2005-09-01. Retrieved on 2006-09-11.</ref>
The Central Coast Mariners ended the group stage on top of their pool in the 2006 Pre-Season Cup, with two wins and two draws in their four matches. They defeated Newcastle Jets, who came second in the other pool, in their playoff match 2-1 (a.e.t.). In the grand final, they lost to Adelaide United 5-4 on penalties, after scores were tied 1-1 after extra time.<ref>"Mariners downed in penalty shoot out thriller", Central Coast Mariners official website, 2006-08-19. Retrieved on 2006-11-18.</ref>
Central Coast are currently participating in the 2006-07 A-League season. At the completion of fourteen of 21 home-and-away rounds, the Mariners are fourth on the ladder, with five wins, four draws and five losses.<ref>Official A-League table. Retrieved on 2006-11-09.</ref>
[edit] 2006-07 A-League table
| Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Melbourne Victory | 15 | 12 | 1 | 2 | 32 | 11 | +21 | 37 |
| Sydney FC | 15 | 6 | 6 | 3 | 25 | 16 | +9 | 24 |
| Adelaide United | 15 | 7 | 1 | 7 | 24 | 22 | +2 | 22 |
| Central Coast Mariners | 15 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 17 | 17 | 0 | 20 |
| Newcastle Jets | 15 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 19 | 22 | -3 | 20 |
| Queensland Roar | 15 | 5 | 4 | 6 | 17 | 17 | 0 | 19 |
| Perth Glory | 15 | 5 | 2 | 8 | 19 | 21 | -2 | 17 |
| New Zealand Knights | 15 | 2 | 2 | 11 | 6 | 33 | -27 | 8 |
[edit] Colours and badge
The Mariners home jersey is yellow with a navy left sleeve and stripe on the right sleeve. The companion shorts have a yellow cut up the seam and are matched with yellow socks. Their away uniform is similar, with white jersey and socks and slightly different shorts.<ref>"Inside Central Coast: Yellow, Navy & White", Central Coast Mariners official website, 2006-08-30. Retrieved on 2006-09-30.</ref>
The Mariners enjoyed considerable success in the 2005-06 away strip.<ref name="Strips">"Yellow, Navy & White", Central Coast Mariners official website, 2006-08-30. Retrieved on 2006-12-01.</ref> In twelve competitive matches, the Mariners enjoyed five wins, six draws and only one loss. The loss to derby rivals Newcastle away was also the only time the Mariners were kept to a clean sheet whilst playing away in the 2005-06 season.<ref name="Strips"/>
The team logo is a yellow football at the centre of a blue curling wave, which symbolises the many beaches of the Central Coast.<ref>"Exciting 2005 awaits the Central Coast", Central Coast Mariners official website, 2005-03-16. Retrieved on 2006-11-10.</ref>
[edit] Stadium
- Main article: Bluetongue Central Coast Stadium
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 the Gosford railway station and is adjacent to the Central Coast Leagues Club, the home of the Mariners.<ref>Central Coast Stadium transport information. Retrieved on 2006-11-08.</ref>
The stadium has formerly been known Central Coast Express Advocate Stadium and Central Coast Stadium at some stage whilst the Mariners have occupied it.<ref>"Favourite Mariners Moment #1", Central Coast Mariners official website, 2006-02-17. Retrieved on 2006-11-14.</ref><ref>"Hyundai A-League draw announced", Central Coast Mariners official website, 2005-03-07. Retrieved on 2006-11-14.</ref>
Currently, the Mariners are one of only two national sporting teams who use the stadium: the other being the Central Coast Waves rugby union team, which joined the Shute Shield in 2006.
The stadium has a recorded capacity of 20,119<ref name="Capacity"/> and the Mariners highest attendance is 17,429.<ref name="High crowd I">"Big game players", Central Coast Mariners official website, 2006-11-01. Retrieved on 2006-11-08.</ref><ref name="High crowd II">"Mariners progress after scintillating draw", Central Coast Stadium, 2006-02-18. Retrieved on 2006-11-08.</ref>
[edit] Supporters
The main supporter base of the Central Coast Mariners is called the Marinators.<ref>"Derby travel information", Central Coast Mariners official website, 2006-11-08. Retrieved on 2006-11-08.</ref> 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<ref>"Meet the Marinators - 'nomes'", Marinators web site, 2006-09-26. Retrieved on 2006-11-09.</ref> (which is directly behind the goal posts at the northern end of the stadium).<ref>Seating plan for Bluetongue Central Coast Stadium. Retrieved on 2006-11-09.</ref> Standard chants include the Yellow Submarine-inspired "We all follow a yellow football team" (as the Mariners wear a primarily yellow strip when playing at home).<ref>Marinators.NET - Sea Shanties (On Shore Leave). Retrieved on 2006-11-21.</ref>
The Marinators are not a fee or membership based group; rather, they receive donations from both members, local businesses in the Central Coast region, and from the Central Coast Mariners Football Club.<ref name="Marinators history">Marinators - History & Background. Retrieved on 2006-11-22.</ref> They became particularly visible through selling Marinators shirts during the lead up to the inaugural A-League season, before replica shirts were available.<ref name="Marinators history"/>
The Marinators also have a very popular and active Mariners fans forum and web site.<ref>Marinators web site. Retrieved on 2006-11-08.</ref><ref>Marinators fan forum. Retrieved on 2006-12-08.</ref>
[edit] Current squad
- As at December 1, 2006.
[edit] Notable players
The Mariners have been able to secure the services of a number of star players during their two seasons since forming prior to the 2005-06 A-League season. This has included three "Socceroos", including one (Tony Vidmar) who was still in the Socceroo squad whilst playing for Central Coast.<ref>"Vidmar earns Socceroo call up", Central Coast Mariners official website, 2006-09-26. Retrieved on 2006-09-29.</ref> Central Coast have also had one Scottish international, Ian Ferguson make a short-term appearance,<ref>"Mariners hit with late withdrawals", A-League official website, 2005-09-24. Retrieved on 2006-11-10.</ref><ref>"Ferguson set to play", A-League official website, 2005-10-07. Retrieved on 2006-11-10.</ref>
- 2005-2006: Image:Flag of Scotland.svg Ian Ferguson<ref>Ferguson played for the Mariners whilst acting as head coach of the club. This was due to a desperate lack of player numbers through injury during the Mariners' 2005-06 season.</ref>
- 2005-2006: Image:Flag of Australia.svg Michael Beauchamp
- 2006-present: Image:Flag of Australia.svg Tony Vidmar
- 2006: Image:Flag of Australia.svg Damian Mori<ref>"Mori in for short-term as Mariners seek first win", Central Coast Mariners official website, 2005-09-27. Retrieved on 2006-11-30.</ref>
[edit] Club officials
[edit] Board of Directors
- President: Image:Flag of Australia.svg Ian Kiernan
- Chairman: Image:Flag of Australia.svg Lyall Gorman
- Chief Executive Officer: Image:Flag of Australia.svg John McKay
[edit] Management
- Football Manager: Image:Flag of Scotland.svg Lawrie McKinna
- Head Coach: Image:Flag of Scotland.svg Ian Ferguson
- Development Manager: Image:Flag of Australia.svg Alex Tobin
- Strength & Conditioning: Image:Flag of Australia.svg Andrew Clark<ref>Clark acts as Strength & Conditioning manager as an extension of his playing duties for the club.</ref>
[edit] Noted managers
Since forming prior to the 2005-06 A-League season, the Central Coast Mariners have had only one football manager.
- 2004-present: Image:Flag of Scotland.svg Lawrie McKinna
[edit] Achievements
- A-League Championship:
- Runners Up (1): 2005-06
- World Club Championship - Australian Qualifying Tournament:
- Runners Up (1): 2005
- Pre-Season Cup:
- Winners (1): 2005
- Runners Up (1): 2006
[edit] Records
- Largest victory: 4 goals
- Central Coast Mariners 4-0 Perth Glory (2005-06 Round 8, October 16 2005)
- Central Coast Mariners 4-0 Adelaide United (Club World Championship qualifier, May 11 2005)
- Largest defeat: 4 goals
- Central Coast Mariners 1-5 Sydney FC (2005-06 Round 11, November 5 2005)
- Highest attendance: 17,429<ref name="High crowd I"/><ref name="High crowd II"/>
- Central Coast Mariners vs Newcastle Jets (2005-06 Finals week 2, February 17 2006)
- Highest regular season attendance: 13,119<ref name="High crowd I"/>
- Central Coast Mariners vs Adelaide United (2006-07 Round 14, November 25 2006)
- Highest goalscorers: 10
- Stewart Petrie (2005-present)<ref>"Petrie reaches milestone", Central Coast Mariners official website, 2006-11-30. Retrieved on 2006-12-01.</ref>
[edit] Notes and references
<references/>
[edit] External links
- Central Coast Mariners official website
- A-League official website
- Football Federation Australia official website
- Marinators web site
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