Central Coast Mariners FC
Encyclopedia
Central Coast Mariners Football Club is a professional football (soccer) club based on the Central Coast of New South Wales
, 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 football (soccer) club from the Central Coast to compete in a national competition, and were formed during 2004 for the foundation of the A-League
in 2005–06
. Despite being considered one of the smaller franchise
s at the inception of the A-League competition, Central Coast qualified for the first four domestic
finals after their establishment. The Mariners had a successful first season, winning the 2005 Pre-Season Cup and losing in the A-League grand final to Sydney FC
.
Central Coast made the final of the Pre-Season Cup again in 2006, however lost to Adelaide United
. The Mariners came sixth in the 2006–07 A-League
competition, and failed to qualify for the finals series. The Mariners claimed their first A-League minor premiership in 2007–08
by goal difference, holding on after starting the season strongly. The Mariners defeated derby
rivals Newcastle Jets in the major semi-final to qualify for the Grand Final
, which they lost to the Jets 1–0.
In the 2008/2009 season The Mariners finished the home and away season in fourth place before slumping to 2 defeats from the Queensland Roar in the minor semi-final legs 2–0 at home and 2–1 away.
2009 also saw the club make its debut in the AFC Champions League, finishing bottom of their group after amassing 2 points after 2 draws and losing the remaining 4 games.
's (FFA) new A-League
competition aimed to fill the one spot for a regional team that was designated by the FFA. 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. Backing from former Australian national team
player and club technical director
Alex Tobin
, as well as Clean Up Australia
personality Ian Kiernan
—who would act as inaugural club chairman—also strengthened their proposal. As the only regional bidder, the Mariners were expected to make it in to the league by default. Following a reported signed deal with the FFA, the club signed former Northern Spirit
coach Lawrie McKinna
as manager and Ian Ferguson, a former Rangers
and Northern Spirit player as coach. 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. After much expectation, the club was announced as one of eight teams to become part of Australian Soccer Association's
domestic competition, the Hyundai
A-League
on 1 November 2004.
At the time of the formation of the new league in 2004, the club was owned by Spirits Sports and Leisure Group. 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. Coach Lawrie McKinna sought interest from Australia national football team players Ante Milicic
and Simon Colosimo
, and also announced that he may sign more than the three required under-20 players. Early concerns for the club centred around the concerns over financial stability, but after forming a partnership with technology giants Toshiba
and a cash injection from local businessman John Singleton
, the clubs financial worries were eased. McKinna was keen to sign local player Damien Brown
of Bateau Bay
, formerly of the Newcastle Jets. In a decision which prompted the player to declare that he was "over the moon", Brown 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. By early December 2004, the club had created a steady foundation of player signings and began negotiations with former Perth Glory
striker Nik Mrdja
, signing him later in the month as their star striker. Mrjda was one of the most prominent players in the last season of the National Soccer League
, shooting the final goal to secure Perth Glory's finals win. 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."
The Mariners' inaugural season
was considered a resounding success by many, with the team reaching the A-League grand final after finishing third during the regular season. They were defeated by Sydney FC
1–0 in the grand final, playing in front of a crowd of 41,689—a competition record at the time. The Mariners also won the 2005 Pre-Season Cup, defeating Perth Glory
in the final 1–0.
The Mariners developed a strong rivalry with Newcastle Jets throughout their first season, often referred to as The F3 Derby
. The naming is a reference to the unofficial designation of the Sydney-Newcastle Freeway
, the major motorway which joins the two clubs.
Prior to the 2006–07 season
, the Mariners secured the services of then Australian international Tony Vidmar
from NAC Breda
for two years. This was the Mariners' first marquee signing, following the lead of Sydney FC
(Dwight Yorke
) and Adelaide United (Qu Shengqing
). The Coast again reached the grand final of the Pre-Season Cup, losing to Adelaide United 5–4 on penalties after scores were tied 1–1 after extra time. Central Coast then participated in the 2006–07 A-League season
, however were unable to gain a spot in the final series, finishing sixth after the regular season.
Club captain Noel Spencer
was released by the mariners then signed to participate in the Asian Champions League by Sydney FC
after the 2006–07 season, and Alex Wilkinson
was appointed the new captain. Only 22 years of age at the time, Wilkinson had played every competitive match for the Mariners up to his appointment.
In February 2008, the Central Coast Mariners signed an arrangement with English Football League Championship side Sheffield United. The partnership between the Mariners, The Blades and other partner clubs including Ferencváros of Hungary, Chengdu Blades
of China, São Paulo of Brazil and White Star Woluwé
of Belgium benefits the club by providing an opportunity for the youth programme of the club to develop by touring the world and developing their footballing background, whilst in reverse, the Mariners will be able to share in having some of Sheffield United’s Youth Academy or reserve team prospects available to play. Current Western Sydney triallist Gregor Pac led the way out of the many fine Youth Academy players that it is hoped could take advantage of this overseas link.
The 2007–08 season saw Central Coast win their first premiership on goal difference ahead of Newcastle, following a remarkable final round which began with all four of the top teams equal on 31 points. The final series began badly for the club, losing the first leg of their major semi final 2–0 in Newcastle however they were able to come back to be 2–0 ahead in the second leg after 90 minutes, taking the match to extra time. A 95th minute goal then won the tie for Central Coast 3–2 on aggregate, putting them through to the grand final, where they again faced Newcastle. Newcastle defeated Central Coast 1–0 in the grand final, however the match ended in controversy with an apparent hand-ball, which would have given Central Coast a penalty and a chance to equalise. Furious that the penalty was not given goalkeeper, Danny Vukovic struck the referee, for which he was immediately sent off and later banned.
Goalkeeper Danny Vukovic
was suspended from both domestic and international competition for striking referee Mark Shield
in the A-League Grand Final
in February 2008. Despite appeals, the ban was eventually confirmed by FIFA
in June, to include banning the young keeper from competing at the 2008 Olympic Games. The ban involved games at all levels up till 6 October 2008.
Due to Central Coast losing their first choice keeper for the first couple months of the season, the Mariners signed high profile former Manchester United and Socceroos keeper, Mark Bosnich
, on a seven week contract. This is the first time Bosnich had played professional football since 2003, due to drug problems.
The 2008–09 season was disappointing compared to the standards set in the previous season, although the club narrowly qualified for the finals, finishing in fourth, two points ahead of Sydney F.C. and Wellington Phoenix. They lost 4–1 on aggregrate in their minor semi-final against Queensland Roar, ending their season.
In the lead-up to the 2010-11 season, a number of transfers took place, resulting in a number of changes to the club's squad. In June 2010, the club announced the signing of Argentine 2005 Under 20’s World Cup winner Patricio Perez
, followed by Dutch defender Patrick Zwaanswijk
.
In July 2010, it was announced that the Mariner's W-League Women's team would not compete in the 2010–11 Westfield W-league competition. The club stated financial reasons were behind the decision, after Football NSW withdrew its funding.
In spite of relatively low expectations in the lead up to the season, the 2010-11 season was extremely successful for the club, with the A-league and youth league teams both finishing 2nd in their respective leagues in the regular season. The senior team were then defeated by the premiers, Brisbane Roar, 4-2 on aggregate over two legs in their major semi-final, before defeating Gold Coast United 1-0 in the Preliminary Final to qualify for the grand final against Brisbane. By reaching the grand final, the club also qualified for the 2012 AFC Champions League
. In a thrilling grand final, the Mariners were defeated 4-2 in a penalty shootout after leading 2-0 with three minutes remaining in extra time to finish runners-up for the third time.
The Mariners enjoyed considerable success in the 2005–06 away strip
. In twelve competitive matches, the Mariners achieved five wins, six draws and only one loss. The loss to derby rivals Newcastle was the only time the Mariners failed to score while playing away during the season
.
In the 2011-12 season, the Mariners will have their kits manufactured by Hummel
, as the A-league's Reebok
deal expired at the conclusion of the 2010-11 season.
The team logo is a yellow football at the centre of a blue curling wave, which symbolises the beaches of the Central Coast.
The Central Coast Mariners play their home games at Bluetongue Stadium, Gosford. It is located in Grahame Park
, between the Gosford Central Business District
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 Gosford railway station
and is adjacent to the Central Coast Leagues Club.
Two other names for the stadium have been used during the Mariners' tenancy: Central Coast Express Advocate Stadium and Central Coast Stadium.
As of December 2007, the Mariners are the only national sporting team to use the stadium. The Central Coast Rays
rugby union
team also used the stadium in the Australian Rugby Championship
's only season in 2007.
While the stadium has a capacity of 20,119, the Mariners highest attendance is 19,238 against Newcastle Jets in its round 19 the 2007–08 season
.
The main supporter base of the Central Coast Mariners is called the Yellow Army.
The Marinators, also known as Yellow army, are an obvious presence at home games played at Bluetongue Stadium, Gosford
and are known for their continuous singing and support coming primarily from Bay 16, which is directly behind the goal posts at the northern end of the stadium. Standard chants include the Yellow Submarine
-inspired "We all follow a yellow football team", a reference to the colour of the team's kit.
The Marinators are a loose informal self-identifying support base that is vocal and encourages the wearing of yellow. There was no fee or formal membership-based group during the first two seasons of the A-League
competition; they received donations from members and sponsorships from local businesses in the Central Coast region and from the Central Coast Mariners Football Club. They became particularly visible through selling Marinators shirts during the lead up to the inaugural A-League season, before replica shirts were available.
On 19 May 2007 the Marinators established a formal support structure when they set up a sub-club of Central Coast Leagues Club. The official 'Marinators Club' enables the co-ordinators to be more accountable for funds raised and spent, and also allows for some public liability insurance for any 'Marinators Club' trips or outings.
Ferencváros Central Coast Lightning
Strindheim IL Tata Football Academy
Estudiantes
White Star Woluwé
)
Club captain Alex Wilkinson
has played the most games for the Mariners in A-League competition, with 144. Wilkinson played in every competitive match for the Central Coast Mariners during the first two seasons of the A-League competition.
Australia's Adam Kwasnik
and Matt Simon
have scored the equal most goals for Central Coast in the A-League
competition, with 29 apiece.
The Mariners highest attendance at their home stadium, Bluetongue Stadium, is 19,238 against the Newcastle Jets in its round 19 match of the 2007–08 season
. This was the second highest crowd at the ground for any sport since the ground's first match in February 2000.
The Mariners have a short tradition of playing matches on New Years Eve, and have experienced increased turnouts to fixtures on this date.
A-League top scorers
Mariners Medal
Every year, the Mariners Medal, the club's most prestigious award, is given to the player of the season, as voted by the playing group.
2005-06: Michael Beauchamp
2006-07: Danny Vukovic
2007-08
: Mile Jedinak
2008-09: Matt Simon
2009-10: Danny Vukovic
2010-11: Joshua Rose
New South Wales
New South Wales is a state of :Australia, located in the east of the country. It is bordered by Queensland, Victoria and South Australia to the north, south and west respectively. To the east, the state is bordered by the Tasman Sea, which forms part of the Pacific Ocean. New South Wales...
, Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
. They participate in the A-League
A-League
The A-League is the top Australasian professional football league. Run by Australian governing body Football Federation Australia , it was founded in 2004 following the folding of the National Soccer League and staged its inaugural season in 2005–06. It is sponsored by Hyundai Motor Company...
and are one of three teams from the state of New South Wales
New South Wales
New South Wales is a state of :Australia, located in the east of the country. It is bordered by Queensland, Victoria and South Australia to the north, south and west respectively. To the east, the state is bordered by the Tasman Sea, which forms part of the Pacific Ocean. New South Wales...
playing in the competition. The Mariners were the first professional football (soccer) club from the Central Coast to compete in a national competition, and were formed during 2004 for the foundation of the A-League
A-League
The A-League is the top Australasian professional football league. Run by Australian governing body Football Federation Australia , it was founded in 2004 following the folding of the National Soccer League and staged its inaugural season in 2005–06. It is sponsored by Hyundai Motor Company...
in 2005–06
A-League 2005-06
The 2005-06 season was the first season of the A-League, a domestic club competition for football in Australia. After over 12 months without a national professional club competition, the first match in the A-League was played on 26 August 2005...
. Despite being considered one of the smaller franchise
Professional sports league organization
Professional sports leagues are organized in numerous ways. The two most significant types are a European model, characterised by a tiered structure using promotion and relegation to determine participation in a hierarchy of leagues or divisions and a North American model characterized by its use...
s at the inception of the A-League competition, Central Coast qualified for the first four domestic
Football (soccer) in Australia
Soccer is a popular recreational and professional sport in Australia. The sport has a high level of participation in Australia. The fully professional A-League domestic competition has been operating since 2005 and the national team competes in the Asian Football Confederation...
finals after their establishment. The Mariners had a successful first season, winning the 2005 Pre-Season Cup and losing in the A-League grand final to Sydney FC
Sydney FC
Sydney FC is a professional football club based in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia and competes in the country's premier football competition, the A-League...
.
Central Coast made the final of the Pre-Season Cup again in 2006, however lost to Adelaide United
Adelaide United FC
Adelaide United Football Club is a professional football club based in Adelaide, South Australia, Australia. It currently participates in the A-League as the sole team from the state of South Australia. Adelaide is one of the most successful clubs in the A-League. The club's home ground is...
. The Mariners came sixth in the 2006–07 A-League
A-League 2006-07
The 2006–07 A-League season was the second season of the Australian football competition, the A-League. Football Federation Australia hoped to build on the success of the first season and on the interest generated by the Socceroos competing in the 2006 FIFA World Cup...
competition, and failed to qualify for the finals series. The Mariners claimed their first A-League minor premiership in 2007–08
A-League 2007-08
The A-League 2007-08 season was the third season of the Australian A-League football competition, won by the Newcastle Jets. Football Federation Australia hoped to build on the success of the previous two seasons and on the interest generated by and playing in the 2007 AFC Champions League, and...
by goal difference, holding on after starting the season strongly. The Mariners defeated derby
Local derby
In many countries the term local derby, or simply just derby means a sporting fixture between two, generally local, rivals, particularly in association football...
rivals Newcastle Jets in the major semi-final to qualify for the Grand Final
A-League Grand Final 2008
The 2008 A-League Grand Final took place at Sydney Football Stadium in Sydney, Australia on 24 February 2008. It was the first A-League Grand Final played at a neutral home ground, due to Bluetongue Stadium being deemed by the FFA to not have a sufficient capacity to hold the centrepiece of the...
, which they lost to the Jets 1–0.
In the 2008/2009 season The Mariners finished the home and away season in fourth place before slumping to 2 defeats from the Queensland Roar in the minor semi-final legs 2–0 at home and 2–1 away.
2009 also saw the club make its debut in the AFC Champions League, finishing bottom of their group after amassing 2 points after 2 draws and losing the remaining 4 games.
Lawrie McKinna era
The Central Coast Mariners' bid for a franchise in the Football Federation AustraliaFootball Federation Australia
Football Federation Australia is the governing body for the sport of football in Australia. Before 1 January 2005, it was known as the Australian Soccer Association , which succeeded Soccer Australia in this role in 2003...
's (FFA) new A-League
A-League
The A-League is the top Australasian professional football league. Run by Australian governing body Football Federation Australia , it was founded in 2004 following the folding of the National Soccer League and staged its inaugural season in 2005–06. It is sponsored by Hyundai Motor Company...
competition aimed to fill the one spot for a regional team that was designated by the FFA. 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. Backing from former Australian national team
Australia national football (soccer) team
The Australia national association football team represents Australia in international association football competitions. Its official nickname is the "Socceroos"...
player and club technical director
Technical director
The Technical Director or Technical Manager is usually a senior technical person within a software company, film studio, theatrical company or television studio...
Alex Tobin
Alex Tobin
Alexander Hugh Tobin is a former Australian football player. Tobin is the second most capped player for the Australia national football team with 87 'A' appearances, including many as captain...
, as well as Clean Up Australia
Clean Up Australia
Clean Up Australia is a not-for-profit Australian environmental conservation organisation founded by Australian Ian Kiernan, and co-founder Kim McKay, in 1989. It works to foster relationships between the community, business and government to address the environmental issues of waste, water and...
personality Ian Kiernan
Ian Kiernan
Ian Bruce Carrick Kiernan AO is an environmentalist who organised the Clean Up Australia campaign, and in 1993 a similar Clean Up the World operation which attracted participation from 30 million volunteers in 80 countries....
—who would act as inaugural club chairman—also strengthened their proposal. As the only regional bidder, the Mariners were expected to make it in to the league by default. Following a reported signed deal with the FFA, the club signed former Northern Spirit
Northern Spirit FC
Northern Spirit Football Club was a football club based in North Sydney, Australia. Northern Spirit entered the National Soccer League in the 1998-99 season...
coach Lawrie McKinna
Lawrie McKinna
Lawrie McKinna is a Scottish-Australian former football player and formerly managed Chengdu Blades in China Super League.-Club career:...
as manager and Ian Ferguson, a former Rangers
Rangers F.C.
Rangers Football Club are an association football club based in Glasgow, Scotland, who play in the Scottish Premier League. The club are nicknamed the Gers, Teddy Bears and the Light Blues, and the fans are known to each other as bluenoses...
and Northern Spirit player as coach. 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. After much expectation, the club was announced as one of eight teams to become part of Australian Soccer Association's
Football Federation Australia
Football Federation Australia is the governing body for the sport of football in Australia. Before 1 January 2005, it was known as the Australian Soccer Association , which succeeded Soccer Australia in this role in 2003...
domestic competition, the Hyundai
Hyundai
Hyundai ) is a global conglomerate company, part of the Korean chaebol, that was founded in South Korea by one of the most famous businessmen in Korean history: Chung Ju-yung...
A-League
A-League
The A-League is the top Australasian professional football league. Run by Australian governing body Football Federation Australia , it was founded in 2004 following the folding of the National Soccer League and staged its inaugural season in 2005–06. It is sponsored by Hyundai Motor Company...
on 1 November 2004.
At the time of the formation of the new league in 2004, the club was owned by Spirits Sports and Leisure Group. 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. Coach Lawrie McKinna sought interest from Australia national football team players Ante Milicic
Ante Milicic
Ante Milicic is an Australian former football player. He is currently one of the assistant managers of A-League club Melbourne Heart. He is of Croatian Australian origin....
and Simon Colosimo
Simon Colosimo
Simon Colosimo is an Australian football player who plays as a central defender for Melbourne Heart. He has represented the Australia national team on over twenty-five occasions.-Club career:...
, and also announced that he may sign more than the three required under-20 players. Early concerns for the club centred around the concerns over financial stability, but after forming a partnership with technology giants Toshiba
Toshiba
is a multinational electronics and electrical equipment corporation headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. It is a diversified manufacturer and marketer of electrical products, spanning information & communications equipment and systems, Internet-based solutions and services, electronic components and...
and a cash injection from local businessman John Singleton
John Singleton (Australian entrepreneur)
John Desmond Singleton AM is an Australian entrepreneur. He built his success and wealth in the advertising business in Australia in the 1970s and 1980s...
, the clubs financial worries were eased. McKinna was keen to sign local player Damien Brown
Damien Brown
Damien Brown is an Australian football player and former school teacher. He most recently played as a left midfielder for the Australian A-League club the Central Coast Mariners....
of Bateau Bay
Bateau Bay, New South Wales
Bateau Bay is a coastal suburb of the Central Coast region of New South Wales, Australia. It is part of the Wyong Shire local government area. Bateau Bay lies in the area known as Darkinjung to Indigenous Australians...
, formerly of the Newcastle Jets. In a decision which prompted the player to declare that he was "over the moon", Brown became the first player to sign with the club. Club chairman Lyall Gorman
Lyall Gorman
Lyall Gorman is the Head of the Hyundai A-League. He previously was the chairman of the Central Coast Mariners.-References:...
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. By early December 2004, the club had created a steady foundation of player signings and began negotiations with former Perth Glory
Perth Glory FC
Perth Glory Football Club is a professional football club in Perth, Western Australia, Australia, competing in Australia's top football competition the A-League. Perth Glory is one of only three clubs to survive from the now defunct National Soccer League...
striker Nik Mrdja
Nik Mrdja
Nik Mrdja is an Australian football player of Serbian ethnicity. He currently plays as a striker for the Australian A-League club the Central Coast Mariners.-Club career:...
, signing him later in the month as their star striker. Mrjda was one of the most prominent players in the last season of the National Soccer League
National Soccer League
The National Soccer League is the former national association football competition in Australasia, overseen by Soccer Australia and later the Australian Soccer Association. The NSL spanned 28 seasons from its inception in 1977, until its demise in 2004...
, shooting the final goal to secure Perth Glory's finals win. 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."
Central Coast Mariners FC Season 2005-06
The 2005-06 season was the first for both the Central Coast Mariners and the Hyundai A-LeagueCompared with its Sydney rival, the Central Coast Mariners had a far more low-key buildup to the inaugural A-League season. The majority of its squad were experienced players from the defunct National...
was considered a resounding success by many, with the team reaching the A-League grand final after finishing third during the regular season. They were defeated by Sydney FC
Sydney FC
Sydney FC is a professional football club based in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia and competes in the country's premier football competition, the A-League...
1–0 in the grand final, playing in front of a crowd of 41,689—a competition record at the time. The Mariners also won the 2005 Pre-Season Cup, defeating Perth Glory
Perth Glory FC
Perth Glory Football Club is a professional football club in Perth, Western Australia, Australia, competing in Australia's top football competition the A-League. Perth Glory is one of only three clubs to survive from the now defunct National Soccer League...
in the final 1–0.
The Mariners developed a strong rivalry with Newcastle Jets throughout their first season, often referred to as The F3 Derby
The F3 Derby
The F3 Derby involves Australia's Newcastle Jets and Central Coast Mariners. They are considered to be a fierce rivalry in the A-League due to being two of the closest teams geographically...
. The naming is a reference to the unofficial designation of the Sydney-Newcastle Freeway
Sydney-Newcastle Freeway
The Sydney-Newcastle Freeway is a stretch of motorway linking Sydney to the Central Coast, Newcastle and Hunter regions of New South Wales. It is part of the AusLink road corridor between Sydney and Brisbane, carrying the route designation....
, the major motorway which joins the two clubs.
Prior to the 2006–07 season
A-League 2006-07
The 2006–07 A-League season was the second season of the Australian football competition, the A-League. Football Federation Australia hoped to build on the success of the first season and on the interest generated by the Socceroos competing in the 2006 FIFA World Cup...
, the Mariners secured the services of then Australian international Tony Vidmar
Tony Vidmar
Anthony "Tony" Vidmar is an Australian former professional football player of Slovenian origin. He was a member of the Australian national team, competed at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona for his native country, and is currently Australia's third highest capped player...
from NAC Breda
NAC Breda
NAC Breda , simply often known as NAC, is a Dutch professional football club, based in Breda, Netherlands. NAC Breda play in the Rat Verlegh Stadium, named after their most important player, Antoon 'Rat' Verlegh. They play in the Dutch Eredivisie and are known by the fierce and fanatic support of...
for two years. This was the Mariners' first marquee signing, following the lead of Sydney FC
Sydney FC
Sydney FC is a professional football club based in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia and competes in the country's premier football competition, the A-League...
(Dwight Yorke
Dwight Yorke
Dwight Eversley Yorke is a Trinidad and Tobago former football player. He played for Aston Villa for most of his career, followed by stints with Manchester United, Blackburn Rovers, Birmingham City, Sydney FC and Sunderland...
) and Adelaide United (Qu Shengqing
Qu Shengqing
Qu Shengqing is a Chinese association football coach and former international player. As a player he was predominantly remembered for his time with Liaoning FC where he personally won the Golden Boot in the 1999 league season before joining Shanghai Shenhua and winning the 2003 league title with...
). The Coast again reached the grand final of the Pre-Season Cup, losing to Adelaide United 5–4 on penalties after scores were tied 1–1 after extra time. Central Coast then participated in the 2006–07 A-League season
A-League 2006-07
The 2006–07 A-League season was the second season of the Australian football competition, the A-League. Football Federation Australia hoped to build on the success of the first season and on the interest generated by the Socceroos competing in the 2006 FIFA World Cup...
, however were unable to gain a spot in the final series, finishing sixth after the regular season.
Club captain Noel Spencer
Noel Spencer
Noel Spencer was an Australian football player.-NSL:Noel played for his hometown of Wollongong from 1996–2000 and was part of Wollongong Wolves championship-winning team of the 1999/2000 season. After the championship win Noel left for Northern Spirit which he played for and later captained until...
was released by the mariners then signed to participate in the Asian Champions League by Sydney FC
Sydney FC
Sydney FC is a professional football club based in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia and competes in the country's premier football competition, the A-League...
after the 2006–07 season, and Alex Wilkinson
Alex Wilkinson
Alexander Wilkinson is an Australian football player. He is currently plays for Central Coast Mariners in the A-League...
was appointed the new captain. Only 22 years of age at the time, Wilkinson had played every competitive match for the Mariners up to his appointment.
In February 2008, the Central Coast Mariners signed an arrangement with English Football League Championship side Sheffield United. The partnership between the Mariners, The Blades and other partner clubs including Ferencváros of Hungary, Chengdu Blades
Chengdu Blades
Chengdu Blades F.C. is a professional football club based in Chengdu, PR China who currently plays in the 42,000 seater Chengdu Sports Centre in the Chinese Super league...
of China, São Paulo of Brazil and White Star Woluwé
White Star Woluwé F.C.
Royal White Star Woluwe F.C. is a Belgian football club located in the municipality of Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, Brussels.-History:The club, founded in 1948, was formerly known as Kapelleveld FC, playing in Evere, but they changed their name in 1950 to Woluwe FC when they moved to the Stade Fallon in...
of Belgium benefits the club by providing an opportunity for the youth programme of the club to develop by touring the world and developing their footballing background, whilst in reverse, the Mariners will be able to share in having some of Sheffield United’s Youth Academy or reserve team prospects available to play. Current Western Sydney triallist Gregor Pac led the way out of the many fine Youth Academy players that it is hoped could take advantage of this overseas link.
The 2007–08 season saw Central Coast win their first premiership on goal difference ahead of Newcastle, following a remarkable final round which began with all four of the top teams equal on 31 points. The final series began badly for the club, losing the first leg of their major semi final 2–0 in Newcastle however they were able to come back to be 2–0 ahead in the second leg after 90 minutes, taking the match to extra time. A 95th minute goal then won the tie for Central Coast 3–2 on aggregate, putting them through to the grand final, where they again faced Newcastle. Newcastle defeated Central Coast 1–0 in the grand final, however the match ended in controversy with an apparent hand-ball, which would have given Central Coast a penalty and a chance to equalise. Furious that the penalty was not given goalkeeper, Danny Vukovic struck the referee, for which he was immediately sent off and later banned.
Goalkeeper Danny Vukovic
Danny Vukovic
Danny Vukovic is an Australian football player of Serbian decent. Who has recently signed a three year contract with the Perth Glory, an Australian-based A League franchise.-Club career:...
was suspended from both domestic and international competition for striking referee Mark Shield
Mark Shield
Mark Shield is a former Australian Football referee. He most recently refereed in Australia's A-League. He first played soccer for the Innisfail Tigers at the age of six. Not showing much promise as a player, he began refereeing at age 12, and by 16 was officiating adult matches in Townsville...
in the A-League Grand Final
A-League Grand Final 2008
The 2008 A-League Grand Final took place at Sydney Football Stadium in Sydney, Australia on 24 February 2008. It was the first A-League Grand Final played at a neutral home ground, due to Bluetongue Stadium being deemed by the FFA to not have a sufficient capacity to hold the centrepiece of the...
in February 2008. Despite appeals, the ban was eventually confirmed by FIFA
FIFA
The Fédération Internationale de Football Association , commonly known by the acronym FIFA , is the international governing body of :association football, futsal and beach football. Its headquarters are located in Zurich, Switzerland, and its president is Sepp Blatter, who is in his fourth...
in June, to include banning the young keeper from competing at the 2008 Olympic Games. The ban involved games at all levels up till 6 October 2008.
Due to Central Coast losing their first choice keeper for the first couple months of the season, the Mariners signed high profile former Manchester United and Socceroos keeper, Mark Bosnich
Mark Bosnich
Mark Bosnich is a retired Australian football player and football pundit. He represented Australia 17 times and played for English Premier League clubs Aston Villa, Manchester United and Chelsea.-Manchester United :...
, on a seven week contract. This is the first time Bosnich had played professional football since 2003, due to drug problems.
The 2008–09 season was disappointing compared to the standards set in the previous season, although the club narrowly qualified for the finals, finishing in fourth, two points ahead of Sydney F.C. and Wellington Phoenix. They lost 4–1 on aggregrate in their minor semi-final against Queensland Roar, ending their season.
Arrival of Graham Arnold
In February 2010, following the conclusion of the club's disappointing 2009-10 season, McKinna chose to move into a new role, becoming the club's Football and Commercial Operations Manager. Socceroos assistant manager Graham Arnold was appointed as the club's new manager, becoming only the club's second manager.In the lead-up to the 2010-11 season, a number of transfers took place, resulting in a number of changes to the club's squad. In June 2010, the club announced the signing of Argentine 2005 Under 20’s World Cup winner Patricio Perez
Patricio Pérez
Patricio Pablo Pérez is an Argentine football midfielder who is currently playing for Club Atlético All Boys in the Argentine Primera División.-Argentina:...
, followed by Dutch defender Patrick Zwaanswijk
Patrick Zwaanswijk
Patrick Zwaanswijk is a Dutch professional footballer currently playing for Central Coast Mariners as a central defender.-Club career:Zwaanswijk played for 11 seasons in the Dutch Eredivisie including 5 years with NAC Breda....
.
In July 2010, it was announced that the Mariner's W-League Women's team would not compete in the 2010–11 Westfield W-league competition. The club stated financial reasons were behind the decision, after Football NSW withdrew its funding.
In spite of relatively low expectations in the lead up to the season, the 2010-11 season was extremely successful for the club, with the A-league and youth league teams both finishing 2nd in their respective leagues in the regular season. The senior team were then defeated by the premiers, Brisbane Roar, 4-2 on aggregate over two legs in their major semi-final, before defeating Gold Coast United 1-0 in the Preliminary Final to qualify for the grand final against Brisbane. By reaching the grand final, the club also qualified for the 2012 AFC Champions League
2012 AFC Champions League
The 2012 AFC Champions League will be the 31st edition of the top-level Asian club football tournament organized by the Asian Football Confederation , and the 10th under the current AFC Champions League title. The winner will participate in 2012 FIFA Club World Cup.-Allocation of entries per...
. In a thrilling grand final, the Mariners were defeated 4-2 in a penalty shootout after leading 2-0 with three minutes remaining in extra time to finish runners-up for the third time.
Colours and badge
The Mariners' home jersey is predominantly navy with one yellow stripe running down the centre. The away uniform is a plain yellow jersey.The Mariners enjoyed considerable success in the 2005–06 away strip
Central Coast Mariners FC Season 2005-06
The 2005-06 season was the first for both the Central Coast Mariners and the Hyundai A-LeagueCompared with its Sydney rival, the Central Coast Mariners had a far more low-key buildup to the inaugural A-League season. The majority of its squad were experienced players from the defunct National...
. In twelve competitive matches, the Mariners achieved five wins, six draws and only one loss. The loss to derby rivals Newcastle was the only time the Mariners failed to score while playing away during the season
A-League 2005-06
The 2005-06 season was the first season of the A-League, a domestic club competition for football in Australia. After over 12 months without a national professional club competition, the first match in the A-League was played on 26 August 2005...
.
In the 2011-12 season, the Mariners will have their kits manufactured by Hummel
Hummel International
hummel International is a Denmark-based sportswear company. The firm was started in 1923 by the Messmer family in the town of Hamburg, Germany. It currently manufactures apparel for football, handball, basketball, rugby league, Australian football, shinty and volleyball...
, as the A-league's Reebok
Reebok
Reebok International Limited, a subsidiary of the German sportswear company Adidas since 2005, is a producer of Athletic shoes, apparel, and accessories. The name comes from the Afrikaans spelling of rhebok, a type of African antelope or gazelle...
deal expired at the conclusion of the 2010-11 season.
The team logo is a yellow football at the centre of a blue curling wave, which symbolises the beaches of the Central Coast.
Stadium
Grahame Park
Grahame Park, located on the site of the old Hendon Aerodrome in North West London, is a north London housing estate in the London Borough of Barnet, including 1,777 homes built in the 1970s.-History:...
, between the Gosford Central Business District
Central business district
A central business district is the commercial and often geographic heart of a city. In North America this part of a city is commonly referred to as "downtown" or "city center"...
and the Brisbane Water
Brisbane Water
Brisbane Water is the northern arm of Broken Bay on the east coast of New South Wales Australia. Brisbane Water is named after Sir Thomas Brisbane, Governor of New South Wales between 1820 and 1825...
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 Gosford railway station
Gosford railway station, New South Wales
Gosford Railway Station is located in Gosford on the Central Coast of New South Wales, Australia on the Newcastle & Central Coast Line. The station has three platforms, including one for terminating intercity trains from Sydney. The three platforms are bi-directional.The station is served by...
and is adjacent to the Central Coast Leagues Club.
Two other names for the stadium have been used during the Mariners' tenancy: Central Coast Express Advocate Stadium and Central Coast Stadium.
As of December 2007, the Mariners are the only national sporting team to use the stadium. The Central Coast Rays
Central Coast Rays
The Central Coast Rays were an Australian rugby union football club that played in the now-defunct Australian Rugby Championship. The Rays were formed as one of New South Wales' three clubs that participated in the inaugural season of the championship, which started in August 2007. The team were...
rugby union
Rugby union
Rugby union, often simply referred to as rugby, is a full contact team sport which originated in England in the early 19th century. One of the two codes of rugby football, it is based on running with the ball in hand...
team also used the stadium in the Australian Rugby Championship
Australian Rugby Championship
The Australian Rugby Championship, often abbreviated to the ARC , was a domestic Rugby union football club competition in Australia which ran for only one season in August–October 2007...
's only season in 2007.
While the stadium has a capacity of 20,119, the Mariners highest attendance is 19,238 against Newcastle Jets in its round 19 the 2007–08 season
A-League 2007-08
The A-League 2007-08 season was the third season of the Australian A-League football competition, won by the Newcastle Jets. Football Federation Australia hoped to build on the success of the previous two seasons and on the interest generated by and playing in the 2007 AFC Champions League, and...
.
Supporters
The Marinators, also known as Yellow army, are an obvious presence at home games played at Bluetongue Stadium, Gosford
Gosford, New South Wales
Gosford is a city located on the Central Coast of New South Wales, Australia, approximately 76 km north of the Sydney central business district...
and are known for their continuous singing and support coming primarily from Bay 16, which is directly behind the goal posts at the northern end of the stadium. Standard chants include the Yellow Submarine
Yellow Submarine (song)
"Yellow Submarine" is a 1966 song by The Beatles, written by Paul McCartney , with lead vocals by Ringo Starr. It was included on the Revolver album and issued as a single, coupled with "Eleanor Rigby". The single went to number 1 on every major British chart, remained at number 1 for four weeks...
-inspired "We all follow a yellow football team", a reference to the colour of the team's kit.
The Marinators are a loose informal self-identifying support base that is vocal and encourages the wearing of yellow. There was no fee or formal membership-based group during the first two seasons of the A-League
A-League
The A-League is the top Australasian professional football league. Run by Australian governing body Football Federation Australia , it was founded in 2004 following the folding of the National Soccer League and staged its inaugural season in 2005–06. It is sponsored by Hyundai Motor Company...
competition; they received donations from members and sponsorships from local businesses in the Central Coast region and from the Central Coast Mariners Football Club. They became particularly visible through selling Marinators shirts during the lead up to the inaugural A-League season, before replica shirts were available.
On 19 May 2007 the Marinators established a formal support structure when they set up a sub-club of Central Coast Leagues Club. The official 'Marinators Club' enables the co-ordinators to be more accountable for funds raised and spent, and also allows for some public liability insurance for any 'Marinators Club' trips or outings.
Affiliated clubs
Sheffield United São Paulo FC Chengdu BladesChengdu Blades
Chengdu Blades F.C. is a professional football club based in Chengdu, PR China who currently plays in the 42,000 seater Chengdu Sports Centre in the Chinese Super league...
Ferencváros Central Coast Lightning
Central Coast Lightning
Central Coast FC, formerly known as Central Coast Lightning is a semi-professional association football club, based and located on the Central Coast of New South Wales. They are the main "feeder" club for the professional A-League club, the...
Strindheim IL Tata Football Academy
Tata Football Academy
Tata Football Academy is a football club in Jamshedpur, India, sponsored by Tata Steel.Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata envisaged not only Asia's first fully integrated Steel Plant but also the model township of Jamshedpur. He advised his son, Sir Dorab Tata, to earmark "areas for Football, hockey and...
Estudiantes
Estudiantes de La Plata
Club Estudiantes de La Plata , simply referred to as Estudiantes, is an Argentine professional sports club based in La Plata. The club's football team currently competes in the Primera División, where it has spent most of its history....
White Star Woluwé
A-League Squad
(on loan from Borussia DortmundBorussia Dortmund
Ballspielverein Borussia Dortmund, commonly BVB, are a German sports club based in Dortmund, North Rhine-Westphalia. Dortmund are one of the most successful clubs in German football history. Borussia Dortmund play in the Bundesliga, the top league of German football...
)
Youth League Squad
Former notable players
| Patricio Pérez Patricio Pérez Patricio Pablo Pérez is an Argentine football midfielder who is currently playing for Club Atlético All Boys in the Argentine Primera División.-Argentina:... John Aloisi John Aloisi John Aloisi is a retired Australian football player who played as a striker, and the current youth team manager at Melbourne Heart.... Michael Beauchamp Michael Beauchamp Michael Francis Beauchamp is an Australian football player. He currently plays for Sydney FC. He was a member of the Australian 2006 World Cup squad.-Club career:... Nigel Boogaard Nigel Boogaard Nigel Boogaard is an Australian football player. He currently plays as a central defender for the Australian A-League club Adelaide United.-Central Coast Mariners:... Mark Bosnich Mark Bosnich Mark Bosnich is a retired Australian football player and football pundit. He represented Australia 17 times and played for English Premier League clubs Aston Villa, Manchester United and Chelsea.-Manchester United :... Damien Brown Damien Brown Damien Brown is an Australian football player and former school teacher. He most recently played as a left midfielder for the Australian A-League club the Central Coast Mariners.... Dean Heffernan Dean Heffernan Dean James Heffernan is an Australian professional football player who currently plays as a left back for Chinese Super League club Liaoning Whowin.-Club career:... Mile Jedinak Mile Jedinak Michael John "Mile" Jedinak is an Australian professional football player. He is currently contracted to Crystal Palace of the English Championship... Dylan Macallister Dylan Macallister Dylan Jacob Macallister is an Australian football player who plays as a forward for A-League club Gold Coast United... Damian Mori Damian Mori Damian Mori is an Australian football player who is the top scorer for the Socceroos... |
Sasho Petrovski Sasho Petrovski Sasho Petrovski is an Australian football player. He is a striker who last played for the Newcastle Jets in the Hyundai A-League. Petrovski has two caps for the Australian national team... Tom Pondeljak Tom Pondeljak Tomislav Pondeljak is an Australian football player, who is currently playing for A-league club Melbourne Victory.-Club career:... Noel Spencer Noel Spencer Noel Spencer was an Australian football player.-NSL:Noel played for his hometown of Wollongong from 1996–2000 and was part of Wollongong Wolves championship-winning team of the 1999/2000 season. After the championship win Noel left for Northern Spirit which he played for and later captained until... Tony Vidmar Tony Vidmar Anthony "Tony" Vidmar is an Australian former professional football player of Slovenian origin. He was a member of the Australian national team, competed at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona for his native country, and is currently Australia's third highest capped player... Danny Vukovic Danny Vukovic Danny Vukovic is an Australian football player of Serbian decent. Who has recently signed a three year contract with the Perth Glory, an Australian-based A League franchise.-Club career:... Nicky Travis Nicky Travis Nicolas Vaughan "Nicky" Travis is an English footballer who plays as a right winger and is a free agent after having recently played for the Central Coast Mariners.-Career:... André Gumprecht Andre Gumprecht André Gumprecht is a former German football player who is currently playing for Australian club Lake Macquarie City FC-Club career:... Wayne O'Sullivan Ian Ferguson Stewart Petrie Stewart Petrie Stewart Petrie is a former Scottish football player who is currently assistant manager of Arbroath F.C. who compete in the Irn Bru Scottish Third Division.-Career:... |
Captains
| # | Name | First captaincy | Games as captain | Wins | Draws | Losses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Noel SpencerNoel Spencer Noel Spencer was an Australian football player.-NSL:Noel played for his hometown of Wollongong from 1996–2000 and was part of Wollongong Wolves championship-winning team of the 1999/2000 season. After the championship win Noel left for Northern Spirit which he played for and later captained until... |
26 August 2005 | 40 | 13 | 14 | 13 |
| 2 | Alex Wilkinson Alex Wilkinson Alexander Wilkinson is an Australian football player. He is currently plays for Central Coast Mariners in the A-League... |
12 November 2006 | 97 | 42 | 23 | 32 |
| 3 | Tony Vidmar Tony Vidmar Anthony "Tony" Vidmar is an Australian former professional football player of Slovenian origin. He was a member of the Australian national team, competed at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona for his native country, and is currently Australia's third highest capped player... |
31 August 2007 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 |
| 4 |  John HutchinsonJohn Hutchinson (footballer) John Hutchinson is a Maltese-Australian football player. He currently plays as a central midfielder for the Australian A-League club Central Coast Mariners... |
23 September 2007 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| 5 | John Aloisi John Aloisi John Aloisi is a retired Australian football player who played as a striker, and the current youth team manager at Melbourne Heart.... |
19 January 2008 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 6 |  Patrick ZwaanswijkPatrick Zwaanswijk Patrick Zwaanswijk is a Dutch professional footballer currently playing for Central Coast Mariners as a central defender.-Club career:Zwaanswijk played for 11 seasons in the Dutch Eredivisie including 5 years with NAC Breda.... |
8 October 2011 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
Records
- As of 10 March 2011. Only competitive matches are counted.
Club captain Alex Wilkinson
Alex Wilkinson
Alexander Wilkinson is an Australian football player. He is currently plays for Central Coast Mariners in the A-League...
has played the most games for the Mariners in A-League competition, with 144. Wilkinson played in every competitive match for the Central Coast Mariners during the first two seasons of the A-League competition.
Australia's Adam Kwasnik
Adam Kwasnik
Adam Kwasnik is an Australian football player. He currently plays as a striker for the Australian A-League club the Central Coast Mariners.-Club career:...
and Matt Simon
Matt Simon
Matthew Simon is a football player. Simon currently plays as a striker for the Australian A-League club Central Coast Mariners.-Club career:...
have scored the equal most goals for Central Coast in the A-League
A-League
The A-League is the top Australasian professional football league. Run by Australian governing body Football Federation Australia , it was founded in 2004 following the folding of the National Soccer League and staged its inaugural season in 2005–06. It is sponsored by Hyundai Motor Company...
competition, with 29 apiece.
The Mariners highest attendance at their home stadium, Bluetongue Stadium, is 19,238 against the Newcastle Jets in its round 19 match of the 2007–08 season
A-League 2007-08
The A-League 2007-08 season was the third season of the Australian A-League football competition, won by the Newcastle Jets. Football Federation Australia hoped to build on the success of the previous two seasons and on the interest generated by and playing in the 2007 AFC Champions League, and...
. This was the second highest crowd at the ground for any sport since the ground's first match in February 2000.
The Mariners have a short tradition of playing matches on New Years Eve, and have experienced increased turnouts to fixtures on this date.
A-League top scorers
| Name | Goals | Games | Average | Years | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Adam Kwasnik Adam Kwasnik Adam Kwasnik is an Australian football player. He currently plays as a striker for the Australian A-League club the Central Coast Mariners.-Club career:... |
29 | 113 | 0.26 | 2005– |
| 1 | Matt Simon Matt Simon Matthew Simon is a football player. Simon currently plays as a striker for the Australian A-League club Central Coast Mariners.-Club career:... |
29 | 100 | 0.29 | 2006– |
| 3 | John Hutchinson John Hutchinson (footballer) John Hutchinson is a Maltese-Australian football player. He currently plays as a central midfielder for the Australian A-League club Central Coast Mariners... |
16 | 125 | 0.13 | 2005– |
| 4 | Sasho Petrovski Sasho Petrovski Sasho Petrovski is an Australian football player. He is a striker who last played for the Newcastle Jets in the Hyundai A-League. Petrovski has two caps for the Australian national team... |
14 | 44 | 0.32 | 2007–09 |
| 5 | Nik Mrdja Nik Mrdja Nik Mrdja is an Australian football player of Serbian ethnicity. He currently plays as a striker for the Australian A-League club the Central Coast Mariners.-Club career:... |
12 | 48 | 0.25 | 2005–2011 |
| 6 |  Stewart PetrieStewart Petrie Stewart Petrie is a former Scottish football player who is currently assistant manager of Arbroath F.C. who compete in the Irn Bru Scottish Third Division.-Career:... |
10 | 41 | 0.24 | 2005–07 |
| 6 | Dean Heffernan Dean Heffernan Dean James Heffernan is an Australian professional football player who currently plays as a left back for Chinese Super League club Liaoning Whowin.-Club career:... |
10 | 63 | 0.16 | 2005–2010 |
| 8 | Mile Jedinak Mile Jedinak Michael John "Mile" Jedinak is an Australian professional football player. He is currently contracted to Crystal Palace of the English Championship... |
8 | 44 | 0.18 | 2005–08 |
| 9 | John Aloisi John Aloisi John Aloisi is a retired Australian football player who played as a striker, and the current youth team manager at Melbourne Heart.... |
7 | 15 | 0.47 | 2007–08 |
| 9 | Tom Pondeljak Tom Pondeljak Tomislav Pondeljak is an Australian football player, who is currently playing for A-league club Melbourne Victory.-Club career:... |
7 | 55 | 0.13 | 2005–08 |
- Table up-to-date as of 10 March 2011.
Mariners Medal
Every year, the Mariners Medal, the club's most prestigious award, is given to the player of the season, as voted by the playing group.
2005-06: Michael Beauchamp
Michael Beauchamp
Michael Francis Beauchamp is an Australian football player. He currently plays for Sydney FC. He was a member of the Australian 2006 World Cup squad.-Club career:...
2006-07: Danny Vukovic
Danny Vukovic
Danny Vukovic is an Australian football player of Serbian decent. Who has recently signed a three year contract with the Perth Glory, an Australian-based A League franchise.-Club career:...
2007-08
Central Coast Mariners season 2007-08
The Central Coast Mariners FC have had a successful A-League 2007-08 season.-Squad:-Coaching Staff:*Football Manager: Lawrie McKinna*Head Coach: Ian Ferguson*Development Manager: Alex Tobin...
: Mile Jedinak
Mile Jedinak
Michael John "Mile" Jedinak is an Australian professional football player. He is currently contracted to Crystal Palace of the English Championship...
2008-09: Matt Simon
Matt Simon
Matthew Simon is a football player. Simon currently plays as a striker for the Australian A-League club Central Coast Mariners.-Club career:...
2009-10: Danny Vukovic
Danny Vukovic
Danny Vukovic is an Australian football player of Serbian decent. Who has recently signed a three year contract with the Perth Glory, an Australian-based A League franchise.-Club career:...
2010-11: Joshua Rose
Joshua Rose
Joshua Rose is an Australian football player who currently plays for the Central Coast Mariners.-Club career:...
Year-by-year history
| Season | Teams | Pre-Season | Premiership Ladder Position | Finals Qualification | A-League Final Position | ACL Qualification | ACL Placing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005–06 | 8 | Winners | 3rd | Qualified | 2nd | DNQ | n/a |
| 2006–07 | 8 | 2nd | 6th | DNQ | 6th | DNQ | DNQ |
| 2007–08 | 8 | 4th | Premiers | Qualified | 2nd | Qualified for 2009 | DNQ |
| 2008–09 | 8 | 3rd | 4th | Qualified | 4th | DNQ | Group Stages (4th) |
| 2009–10 | 10 | – | 8th | DNQ | 8th | DNQ | DNQ |
| 2010–11 2010–11 Central Coast Mariners season The 2010–2011 season will be the Central Coast Mariners 6th season running since their inagurial season in 2005–2006. Their new manager will be former Socceroos coach Graham Arnold who was appointed manager after Lawrie McKinna was moved to another department at CCM headquarters.-2010–11 Senior... |
11 | – | 2nd | Qualified | 2nd | Qualified for 2012 | DNQ |
Board of Directors
- Patron: Hon. Neville Wran AC, QCNeville WranNeville Kenneth Wran, AC, CNZM, QC was the Premier of New South Wales from 1976 until 1986. He was National President of the Australian Labor Party from 1980 to 1986 and Chairman of both the Lionel Murphy Foundation and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation from 1986...
- Chairman: Peter Turnbull
- Director:
Kevin McCabe - Director: Michael Charlesworth
- Director: Bob Graham
- Director: Belinda NealBelinda NealBelinda Jane Neal , a former Australian federal politician, was a Member of the House of Representatives representing the electorate of Robertson between 2007 and 2010; and representing the state of New South Wales in the Senate from 1994 to 1998, both of behalf of the Australian Labor...
- Chief Executive Officer: John McKay
Football Department
- Head Coach: Graham ArnoldGraham ArnoldGraham James Arnold is a former coach of the Australian national football team. He was appointed to work as an assistant to Frank Farina in 2000. The two replaced Raul Blanco, who was the interim coach in charge after Terry Venables decided not to renew his contract with Soccer Australia after...
- Football Operations Manager: Lawrie McKinnaLawrie McKinnaLawrie McKinna is a Scottish-Australian former football player and formerly managed Chengdu Blades in China Super League.-Club career:...
- Assistant Coach: Phil MossPhil MossPhil Moss is an Australian English former association football player who currently is the assistant manager at A-League club Central Coast Mariners.-Career:...
- Assistant Coach and Youth Coach: Tony Walmsley
- Youth Development Co-ordinator: Damien BrownDamien BrownDamien Brown is an Australian football player and former school teacher. He most recently played as a left midfielder for the Australian A-League club the Central Coast Mariners....
- Head of Sports Science / Fitness Coach: Andrew ClarkAndrew Clark (footballer)Andrew Clark is an Australian football player. He is currently the Fitness and Conditioning coach for the Central Coast Mariners.-External links:* *...
- Goalkeeping Coach: John CrawleyJohn Crawley (footballer)John Crawley is a former football player. He is currently the goalkeeping coach for Australian A-League club the Central Coast Mariners.-Biography:...
Managers
- As of 10 February 2011. Only competitive matches are counted.
| Name | Nat. | From | To | Record | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| P | W | D | L | F | A | ||||
| Lawrie McKinna Lawrie McKinna Lawrie McKinna is a Scottish-Australian former football player and formerly managed Chengdu Blades in China Super League.-Club career:... |
|
2004 | 2010 | 138 | 50 | 39 | 49 | 186 | 167 |
| Graham Arnold Graham Arnold Graham James Arnold is a former coach of the Australian national football team. He was appointed to work as an assistant to Frank Farina in 2000. The two replaced Raul Blanco, who was the interim coach in charge after Terry Venables decided not to renew his contract with Soccer Australia after... |
|
2010 | present | 29 | 15 | 9 | 5 | 49 | 31 |
Achievements
- A-League Premiers:
- Winners (1): 2007–08
- A-League Championship:
- Runners-up (3): 2005–06, 2007–08 2010–112010–11 A-LeagueThe 2010–11 A-League season is the sixth season of the Australian football championship since its establishment in 2004. The home and away season began on 5 August 2010 and concluded on 13 February 2011. The addition of brought the total number of teams to 11...
- Runners-up (3): 2005–06, 2007–08 2010–11
- Oceania Club Championship Australian Qualifying Tournament:
- Runners-up (1): 2005
- Pre-Season Cup:
- Winners (1): 2005
- Runners-up (1): 20062006 A-League Pre-Season Challenge CupThe 2006 A-League Pre-Season Challenge Cup was a series in the Australian A-League football competition held in July and August in the lead up to the start of the main season. The opening round was 15 July 2006. The competition featured a group stage, with three regular rounds and a bonus round,...
A-League
Last updated 16 May 2011| Club | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 25 | 21 | ||
| 23 | 9 | 3 | 11 | 32 | 43 | ||
| 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 10 | 7 | ||
| 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 1 | ||
| 18 | 6 | 4 | 8 | 28 | 29 | ||
| 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 7 | 3 | ||
| 23 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 27 | 21 | ||
| 6 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 12 | 5 | ||
| 18 | 11 | 5 | 2 | 31 | 15 | ||
| 19 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 29 | 31 | ||
| 12 | 5 | 2 | 5 | 11 | 10 | ||
| Total | 153 | 63 | 40 | 50 | 215 | 186 | +29 |
International
Last updated 9 June 2011| Club | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Changchun YataiChangchun Yatai Changchun Yatai is a Chinese football team. It was founded on June 6, 1996 by Jilin Yatai Group at Changchun, Jilin. Their manager is Shen Xiangfu.... |
1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
 New CaledoniaNew Caledonia national football team The New Caledonia national football team is the team of New Caledonia and is controlled by the Fédération Calédonienne de Football. Although they were only admitted to FIFA in 2004, they have been participating in the OFC Nations Cup since its inception. They have been one of this relatively small... |
1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | |
| Jiangsu Sainty Jiangsu Sainty Jiangsu Sainty F.C. is a Chinese professional football club based in Nanjing, China that currently participates in the Chinese Super League. Home matches are played at the Nanjing Olympic Sports Center... |
1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Shandong Luneng Shandong Luneng Shandong Luneng Taishan is a Chinese Super League football club owned by Shandong Luneng Group, the biggest supplier of electric energy in Shandong province. They play at the Shandong Stadium in Jinan, Shandong. The predecessor of Shandong Luneng Taishan was the Shandong Provincial team organised... |
1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | |
| Tianjin Teda |
2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | |
 Pohang SteelersPohang Steelers Pohang Steelers are a South Korean professional football club based in Pohang, Gyeongsangbuk-do. They were originally called POSCO, after the Pohang Iron and Steel Company that owned it... |
2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | |
 Kawasaki FrontaleKawasaki Frontale is a J. League Division 1 association football club. The team is located in Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture, south of Tokyo. Their home stadium is Todoroki Athletics Stadium, in Nakahara Ward, in the central area of Kawasaki.-History:... |
2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 7 | |
| Celtic FC |
1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |