CENTRAL Coast Mariners will face Bankstown City Lions in the third annual Doug Turnbull Cup at Jensen Park, Sefton on Wednesday evening.
Michael McGlinchey scored in the 2011 Doug Turnbull Cup clash
CENTRAL Coast Mariners will face Bankstown City Lions in the third annual Doug Turnbull Cup at Jensen Park, Sefton on Wednesday evening.
Founded in memory of Mariners Chairman Peter Turnbull-s late brother, the Doug Turnbull Cup will mark Central Coast-s first 2012/13 Hyundai A-League pre-season clash on Australian soil.
The Mariners ventured to Noumea to face the New Caledonian National Team in a two match series recently, coming away from the idyllic pacific island with a 1-1 draw and a 4-2 win against Alain Moizan-s men.
With just six weeks until the start of the season proper, Mariners tactician Graham Arnold will use the Doug Turnbull Cup to rotate his squad and ensure as many players as possible receive crucial match time.
“We have been training hard and had a very good camp in New Caledonia,” Arnold said. “But nothing compares to actual match situations – it allows us to determine areas we need to work on with individuals, and the team as a collective.”
“I will be rotating our squad throughout the match and looking to get as many minutes into the boys- legs as possible.”
The Mariners won the 2011 version of the Doug Turnbull Cup 3-0, with Oliver Bozanic, Michael Baird and Michael McGlinchey etching their name on the scoresheet.
While claiming the Cup would be an added bonus for either side on Wednesday night, the evening is considered a celebration of Doug Turnbull-s life and contribution to football in the Bankstown region and beyond.
Indeed, Doug Turnbull was pivotal in making football one of the most popular sports in Bankstown, and made his own debut for the Club as a 16-year-old. During his time with the Lions, Turnbull played against some of the greats of Australian football including Johnny Warren and Ray Richards.
“Doug became a big fan of the Central Coast Mariners when I got involved with the Club,” Mariners Chairman Peter Turnbull said.
“A few years ago when we were looking for pre-season games to play we thought it was a natural fit that the Mariners take on Bankstown on an annual basis.”
“When Doug passed away we donated a Cup and decided that the match be played in his memory. We are convinced the Doug Turnbull Cup is something he would be very proud of.”
The whole Turnbull family and many extended family members and friends will be in attendance tomorrow evening.
Central Coast Mariners 2012/13 Hyundai A-League season proper commences on Saturday 6 October against Western Sydney Wanderers at Parramatta Stadium.
2012 Doug Turnbull Cup
Wednesday 29 August, 2012
Bankstown City Lions vs. Central Coast Mariners
Jensen Park, Sefton
Kick-off: 7:30pm
Admission: Adults: $5; Kids under 12: Free
Twitter: Follow the action and contribute to the Doug Turnbull Cup conversation on Twitter. The pre-season match hashtag is #LIONSvCCM
Forthcoming Central Coast Mariners Pre-Season Matches
Tuesday 4 September, 2012
Rockdale City vs. Central Coast Mariners
Ilinden Sports Centre, Rockdale
Kick-off: 7:30pm
Thursday 6 September, 2012
Central Coast Mariners vs. Central Coast Football Select
Central Coast Stadium, Gosford
Kick-off: 7:00pm
Admission: Adults $5; Kids under 12: Free
