Post by dru on Jun 27, 2007 14:42:05 GMT 10
McKinna: We’re better than last yearWednesday, 27 June 2007
Lawrie McKinna
Getty Images © Getty Images The Central Coast Mariners are a vastly improved outfit compared to this stage of last year – that is the boast of Football Manager Lawrie McKinna ahead of Saturday’s trial against Belconnen United at the Belconnen Soccer Centre.
McKinna’s charges will line up for their penultimate trial match of 2007 with a near full complement of players to choose from, which is in total contrast to what was experienced throughout the Central Coast’s 2006 pre-season campaign.
Such were the Mariners’ injury woes ahead of the 2006 Pre-Season Cup, only 16 players contributed to the Central Coast’s four group matches – three of which were short-term signings to cover for a seemingly relentless casualty list.
Only new recruit Greg Owens, who is a few weeks away from recovering fully from minor back surgery, is a certain non-starter against Belconnen on Saturday, with McKinna able to call upon 20 of his 21 signed players for the fixture.
Dean Heffernan, another new face for season three, is set to make his first appearance in a yellow and navy shirt since the inaugural Hyundai A-League Grand Final, while striker Sasho Petrovski will be looking to add to his first ever goal for the Mariners – scored against Spirit FC two weeks ago.
"I would say were vastly ahead of where we were last year," said McKinna.
"I think last year for pre-season training games, we basically had 13 players to choose from and we had a lot of injuries.
"This year, we’ve got twenty boys training at the moment and 19 of those are fit, it’s only Greg Owens who is still a few weeks away, so really, it’s probably the largest training squad we’ve had for a while."
The Mariners’ match against Belconnen United on Saturday will be their first ever in the nation’s capital.
The Mariners have visited every Australian state capital city, save for Darwin and Hobart, and have not lost in their first appearance at each city on every occasion.
The Mariners’ first interstate visit was to the Victorian capital for the semi finals of the 2006 Pre-Season Cup – a match won 3-1 by the Central Coast.
Next up for Lawrie McKinna’s charges was a trip to Perth for their opening Hyundai A-League match, where the Mariners recorded a 1-0 win.
Soon to follow was a 3-2 win at Sydney’s Aussie Stadium and 1-1 draws at Adelaide and Brisbane.
In fact, it was not until the Mariners’ Round 2 defeat away to the Perth Glory in September 2006 that the Central Coast tasted defeat outside of New South Wales, after a 13 match unbeaten streak in matches where they were required to commute by plane.
"It’ll just be good to get back on the park, we’ve been on astroturf, we’ve been indoors and we’ve been in the gym," said McKinna.
"I watched Belconnen a few weeks ago and they were unlucky not to win that day, they’re a very good team.
"The boys are good, they’re looking forward to the trip – it’s a great facility down there, we’re looking forward to the game, a good playing surface and a good crowd down there on a fresh winter’s night."
The Mariners are in action this Saturday, 30 June, when they take on ACT Premier League side Belconnen United at the Belconnen Soccer Centre. Kick off is at 5.30pm.
Following the Mariners’ sojourn to the nation’s capital, Lawrie McKinna’s charges will take on recently crowned NSW Premier League Minor Premiers Blacktown City at the Fairfax Community Centre on Saturday, 7 July. Kick off is at 5.30pm.
Mariners Memberships for the Hyundai A-League 2007/08 season are now available for purchase online at www.ccmariners.com.au, or from Rebel Sports outlets at Erina and Tuggerah.
Lawrie McKinna
Getty Images © Getty Images The Central Coast Mariners are a vastly improved outfit compared to this stage of last year – that is the boast of Football Manager Lawrie McKinna ahead of Saturday’s trial against Belconnen United at the Belconnen Soccer Centre.
McKinna’s charges will line up for their penultimate trial match of 2007 with a near full complement of players to choose from, which is in total contrast to what was experienced throughout the Central Coast’s 2006 pre-season campaign.
Such were the Mariners’ injury woes ahead of the 2006 Pre-Season Cup, only 16 players contributed to the Central Coast’s four group matches – three of which were short-term signings to cover for a seemingly relentless casualty list.
Only new recruit Greg Owens, who is a few weeks away from recovering fully from minor back surgery, is a certain non-starter against Belconnen on Saturday, with McKinna able to call upon 20 of his 21 signed players for the fixture.
Dean Heffernan, another new face for season three, is set to make his first appearance in a yellow and navy shirt since the inaugural Hyundai A-League Grand Final, while striker Sasho Petrovski will be looking to add to his first ever goal for the Mariners – scored against Spirit FC two weeks ago.
"I would say were vastly ahead of where we were last year," said McKinna.
"I think last year for pre-season training games, we basically had 13 players to choose from and we had a lot of injuries.
"This year, we’ve got twenty boys training at the moment and 19 of those are fit, it’s only Greg Owens who is still a few weeks away, so really, it’s probably the largest training squad we’ve had for a while."
The Mariners’ match against Belconnen United on Saturday will be their first ever in the nation’s capital.
The Mariners have visited every Australian state capital city, save for Darwin and Hobart, and have not lost in their first appearance at each city on every occasion.
The Mariners’ first interstate visit was to the Victorian capital for the semi finals of the 2006 Pre-Season Cup – a match won 3-1 by the Central Coast.
Next up for Lawrie McKinna’s charges was a trip to Perth for their opening Hyundai A-League match, where the Mariners recorded a 1-0 win.
Soon to follow was a 3-2 win at Sydney’s Aussie Stadium and 1-1 draws at Adelaide and Brisbane.
In fact, it was not until the Mariners’ Round 2 defeat away to the Perth Glory in September 2006 that the Central Coast tasted defeat outside of New South Wales, after a 13 match unbeaten streak in matches where they were required to commute by plane.
"It’ll just be good to get back on the park, we’ve been on astroturf, we’ve been indoors and we’ve been in the gym," said McKinna.
"I watched Belconnen a few weeks ago and they were unlucky not to win that day, they’re a very good team.
"The boys are good, they’re looking forward to the trip – it’s a great facility down there, we’re looking forward to the game, a good playing surface and a good crowd down there on a fresh winter’s night."
The Mariners are in action this Saturday, 30 June, when they take on ACT Premier League side Belconnen United at the Belconnen Soccer Centre. Kick off is at 5.30pm.
Following the Mariners’ sojourn to the nation’s capital, Lawrie McKinna’s charges will take on recently crowned NSW Premier League Minor Premiers Blacktown City at the Fairfax Community Centre on Saturday, 7 July. Kick off is at 5.30pm.
Mariners Memberships for the Hyundai A-League 2007/08 season are now available for purchase online at www.ccmariners.com.au, or from Rebel Sports outlets at Erina and Tuggerah.
