The Central Coast Mariners will begin their quest for Hyundai A-League 2009/10 silverware later this week when the current playing group regroups briefly for a whistle-stop tour of Brisbane and central Queensland.
The Central Coast Mariners will begin their quest for Hyundai A-League 2009/10 silverware later this week when the current playing group regroups briefly for a whistle-stop tour of Brisbane and central Queensland.
Although the Mariners are at bare bones for their upcoming hit outs against Queensland State League challengers Logan United and Hyundai A-League newcomers the North Queensland Fury, the yellow and navy will take the opportunity to trial several potential new faces ahead of season five.
Maltese international-in-waiting John Hutchinson, Qantas Young Socceroo custodian Andrew Redmayne and injured strike pairing Dylan Macallister and Matt Simon headline those unavailable for selection, meaning the Mariners- squad will be bolstered by no less than six triallists – five from abroad – including two Serbians, one Welsh youth international, an Englishman and an Italian.
Following their upcoming matches in Brisbane and Rockhampton, the Mariners will resume their holiday period before commencing full preparations for the Hyundai A-League 2009/10 in late June.
“This trip provides us with a valuable opportunity to have a look at some players that may well be capable of stepping up to the Hyundai A-League next season, as well as providing a platform for our existing playing group to gain some base fitness and form ahead of the new campaign,” said Mariners Executive Chairman Lyall Gorman.
“During our break to date we-ve been exhaustively looking at all options available to us to bolster our playing squad for the new season and negotiations with several players are ongoing and progressing very encouragingly.
“In the spirit of the need for us to refresh our playing stocks, every squad member on show in Brisbane and Rockhampton has an opportunity to either push their claims for a starting eleven berth or, for a chance to wear Mariners colours in the Hyundai A-League and we-re hopeful and confident of taking many positives away from this trip.
“We thank our friends in Brisbane and Rockhampton for their assistance in putting this tour together and hope that all who are in attendance at Clem Jones Field and Jardine Park enjoy the respective football spectacles on offer.”
Match Details
Logan United vs. Central Coast Mariners
Clem Jones Field, Slacks Creek
Friday, 5 June – Kick off 7.30pm
North Queensland Fury vs. Central Coast Mariners
Jardine Park, Wandal
Sunday, 7 June – Kick off 5pm
