I must say that I for one think it’s great to have Kosmina back in the Hyundai A-League. His personality attracts attention to the league and any past trouble he has found himself in is a result of his passion for the game.
TOMORROW marks the return to Bluetongue Stadium of John Kosmina.
A larger than life personality, a good mate and former Qantas Socceroos teammate and assistant coach of Graham Arnold-s, a former coach and mentor of mine and someone I-m sure who has had an influence – directly or indirectly – on some of the players within our squad at some point in their careers.
“Kossie” finds himself back in the A-League having been head-hunted by Adelaide United, the same club that sacked him a few years back after parting company with Dutchman Rini Coolen before Christmas.
Football is a funny old game!
I must say that I for one think it-s great to have Kosmina back in the Hyundai A-League. His personality attracts attention to the league and any past trouble he has found himself in is a result of his passion for the game.
Having played under him, it-s no secret that the first thing he has instilled into his Adelaide United players is desire and fire! He knows how to motivate players and for that reason we need to be ready for a battle at Bluetongue Stadium tomorrow night.
If there is a lesson to come out of last weekend-s 1-1 draw with Newcastle it-s that week in, week out we must win the physical battle before we win the football match.
The first 15-20 minutes of any football match is where you lay the foundation for the result. Winning the physical battle gives you the best chance of winning the football match and that is something we have focussed on this week.
I have no doubt our players will be up (and prepared) for the fight tomorrow night. I-m sure we will witness some banter between the benches as well with “Kossie” never one to pass up the opportunity to fire a few one-liners off in the direction of the opposition dugout. It-s all part of the theatre that is top level football.
On another note, it was fantastic news for the club this week to announce that Josh Rose had committed to the Mariners for the next three years. “Rosey” is the consummate professional – turns up each day with no fuss or fanfare to do his job.
There are a number of other players the club is talking to at the moment and no doubt there will be some announcements over the coming weeks.
For now though the focus is on tomorrow night-s clash with a resurgent Adelaide United at Bluetongue Stadium in front of what should be another bumper crowd. KO is 5.30pm.
Central Coast Mariners Assistant Coach, Phil Moss, writes his column weekly for the Central Coast Express Advocate. CLICK HERE for all the latest football news from the Express Advocate’s team of local journalists.
