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Post by LouMacari on Jan 30, 2006 17:37:49 GMT 10
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kevrenor
Moderator 
Keeping the 'surrounding regions' yellow since 2004 ... Be Mariners, be Yellow, be a Marinator!
Posts: 2,130
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Post by kevrenor on Jan 30, 2006 20:29:18 GMT 10
Mariners look to keep coach
AAP
Central Coast coach Lawrie McKinna is in talks to extend his contract beyond 2008 as the playoff-bound Mariners set their sights on hosting the inaugural A-League grand final.
The Mariners, who have overcome an horrendous run of injuries to secure a playoff berth, could cap off a stunning season by grabbing a top two spot if results go their way this weekend.
Central to the success has been McKinna, whose ability to bring out the best in his close-knit squad has been pivotal to the club punching above its weight.
McKinna held talks with club officials about the prospect of making his contract, which has another two seasons left, even more long-term.
It would be a huge vote of confidence in the affable Scotsman, while other A-League coaches in and out of the finals race face uncertain futures.
"Obviously we're rapt with what he's done both on and off the field - he's a tremendous ambassador for us," Mariners executive chairman Lyall Gorman said.
"We're in ongoing discussions with Lawrie about his contract and we're hoping to have something secured in the next couple of months."
Buoyant after the Mariners drew a bigger crowd for their 3-1 win over Melbourne on Friday night than rugby's NSW Waratahs the following night at Central Coast Stadium, McKinna is confident his side can give the region not only a home semi-final, but a home grand final in coming weeks.
A top-two finish would bring a spot in the major semi-final, the chance of hosting the grand final and a second chance in the finals series.
With one round of fixtures remaining, Sydney FC (second), Central Coast (third) and Newcastle (fourth) are all vying for second.
The Mariners need Sydney FC to slip up against premier Adelaide at Aussie Stadium on Friday night to have any chance of finishing top two.
If Sydney FC draws or loses, Central Coast can effectively guarantee second place if it beats Queensland in Brisbane on Saturday night with Newcastle having a vastly inferior goal difference.
"We're aiming for second spot. I've said the hard thing was making the finals and if we make the finals, we've got a chance to win," McKinna said.
"We'll know our destiny by Saturday. If Adelaide can come to Sydney and do the job as I think they can, we can finish top two.
"Our draw with Sydney (in round 18) helped win Adelaide the league, so they owe us a favour."
But again the Mariners will be undermanned, with midfielder Andre Gumprecht suspended after exceeding his yellow-card limit.
And once more they have had an injury setback, with striker Adam Kwasnik rolling an ankle in the last minute of training after just returning from a knee injury.
"He's touch and go for Saturday, but he'll be fine for the finals," McKinna said.
Updated: Mon, Jan 30, 2006 06:53:28 PM AEST
Lawrie, you are not to leave, and are not to consider any other coaching job - including England!!
The only one you can seek our OK on is Australia! (part-time like Guus at PSV)
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Post by Farthing on Jan 30, 2006 20:38:41 GMT 10
"Our draw with Sydney (in round 18) helped win Adelaide the league, so they owe us a favour." Dam right They owe us a favor and they better win or draw. It feels good to have a coach we want unlike most other clubs in the A-League. |
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Post by DJ on Jan 31, 2006 7:42:15 GMT 10
"Our draw with Sydney (in round 18) helped win Adelaide the league, so they owe us a favour." Dam right They owe us a favor and they better win or draw. It feels good to have a coach we want unlike most other clubs in the A-League. Adelaide were gonna win the league anyway before that result, it should be a good thou because Adelaide won't wanna go into the finals winless in 3! |
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Post by Sam on Jan 31, 2006 8:21:20 GMT 10
Good to hear they wanna keep Lawrie here long term. Its good for the team. I think some clubs ie: QLD, Sydney and Perth have suffered because of talk that their manager will be fired.
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Post by omni on Jan 31, 2006 13:28:36 GMT 10
DJ: No, if Sydney won that game they would have still been a mathematical chance. Kosmina even said after the game 'hopefully the Mariners do us a favour'
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Post by DJ on Jan 31, 2006 13:39:08 GMT 10
DJ: No, if Sydney won that game they would have still been a mathematical chance. Kosmina even said after the game 'hopefully the Mariners do us a favour' omni - yes there was still a mathematical chance but what I meant was Adelaide were never gonna lose it in my opinion. |
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Post by Ursus on Jan 31, 2006 13:42:09 GMT 10
Tie him to a long term contract before the others realise how good he is.
Fantastic news.
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Post by omni on Jan 31, 2006 19:55:16 GMT 10
Ahh yes, I'll give you that then.
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