Members of the Central Coast Mariners inaugural Hyundai A-League squad will gather at Bluetongue Stadium this Sunday, to mark the fifth anniversary of the club’s first finals series campaign.
Members of the Central Coast Mariners inaugural Hyundai A-League squad will gather at Bluetongue Stadium this Sunday, to mark the fifth anniversary of the club-s first finals series campaign.
Inaugural captain Noel Spencer will be joined by Andre Gumprecht, Wayne O-Sullivan and Paul O-Grady at the game, while season one squad members Andrew Clark, John Crawley, Damien Brown and Nik Mrdja will also join the festivities, as they continue in their current roles within the club.
“Lawrie got in touch with me a few weeks ago and mentioned they were having a reunion which is good. It was a special year the first year, it was all new, the League was new and it was a good start to an A-League year.
“I-m looking forward to catching up with some of the boys and all of the fans who shared the success of year one,” said Spencer.
The foundation players will meet Mariners Members and Supporters in the Central Coast Leagues Club from 3:45pm on Sunday before being introduced to the Bluetongue Stadium faithful just before kick-off.
Spencer says while he hasn-t seen every Mariners game this year, he is proud of what the team has achieved.
“I haven-t seen a great deal of the games but I-ve seen a little bit and from what I have seen there has been some great football being played. Obviously with Arnie in charge it brings some experience to the table in terms of who he has worked with over the last few years, and it-s good to see some of the boys like Kwas, Wilko and Hutch still running around and doing well,” Spencer said.
Spencer played 55 matches for the Mariners before short stints with both Sydney FC and Newcastle, and returned home to Wollongong, where he hung up the boots for good at the end of last year-s Illawarra Premier League.
“I still keep in contact with most of the guys so it will be good to catch up with the boys, and enjoy the game. Newcastle is an old team as well so it will be good to catch up with some mates on that side of the fence as well.
“I-ll be enjoying the day and I-m sure we-ll be having a laugh about times in the past,” said Spencer.
The Mariners have already wrapped up second spot and a date with Brisbane Roar in the two-legged non-elimination Grand Final qualifier series, but even so, have refused to take their foot off the accelerator as they look to continue their unbeaten record against the Jets alive for 2010/11.
After a draw and a victory over their local rivals so far this season, the Mariners will host the F3 derby for the first time this Sunday afternoon, and it-s hoped a massive crowd will be on hand to celebrate the club-s success before it embarks on its fourth Hyundai A-League finals series appearance, and potentially, a third Grand Final berth.
“It will be wonderful to see some familiar faces back at Bluetongue on Sunday. They were all wonderful servants and played a vital role in helping the club to its early success.
“I-d also like to congratulate Graham Arnold and the team on their success so far this season, they have done everyone at the club, and indeed all of our Members and supporters extremely proud, and I look forward to continuing to enjoy the team-s progress through the finals series,” said Mariners Chairman Peter Turnbull.
The Central Coast Mariners final match of the Hyundai A-League 2010/11 regular season will be against Newcastle Jets this Sunday, 13 February at Bluetongue Stadium, Gosford. Kick-off is at 5:00pm AEDT and tickets are available at www.ticketek.com.au or by phoning 132 849.
