Mariners Squad - HAL 13 - 2017- 2018

[Wombat]

Sign Ansell now, he is the real deal but a square peg in the Muscat set up. He could be super for us. He was so good as kid he skipped state teams institutes etc to go straight into training with Victory. I have been confused as to his placement, the only other reason is attitude but all reports indicate he is good there.

Ansell looks like a great prospect.

 

[Wombat]

Someone put Wombat on suicide watch.

Dissapointed for Monty. Definately forced by Okon. If he replaces him with someone better then happy days. If we let our only warrior and the guts of the team go for another relatively lame signing i will not be happy.
Its a big call by Okon but if he is sensible and brings in real quality he will be forgiven. This will not be popular but it shows a tough edge that was certainly lacking under Drossy and Tony.

 

[Wombat]

Someone put Wombat on suicide watch.

Wife, kids and dogs are on notice!

 

[Wombat]

Is this not a win win? We wanted his leadership and influence in the club but we were all weary of the potential to bring in someone better that allows a different style?

As long as we bring in someone better and not another gun shy kid with zero penetration but pretty feet.

 

[pjennings]

TBH we need to not only bring in more talent but more leadership. Looking at who we have left I cannot see one natural leader among them. That's not meant as a derogatory comment, being a good leader is a lot different from being a good footballer. Losing Monty has meant we have lost both.

 

[Ozhammer]

Monty has retired...

http://www.ccmariners.com.au/articl...fessional-football/12xci9gtkpqgb12zj76eqg5xbc


Nick Montgomery Announces Retirement from Professional Football


image: http://www.ccmariners.com.au/di/lib...ont_8nehgnxhxpbk1pdkx57ifhwd0.jpg?t=-94188693

1/1
Nick Montgomery has accepted an off field role with the Central Coast Mariners
Friday, 12 May 2017 -
@CCMariners
In his speech at the 2017 #MarinersMedal Dinner, Central Coast Mariners Club Captain, Nick Montgomery announced his decision to retire from professional football and accept an off-field role with the club.
Montgomery signed with the Central Coast Mariners in the lead up to the 2012/13 Championship winning season and has been a mainstay in the midfield since joining the Club from Sheffield United.

The 35-year-old made over 400 competitive appearances for ‘The Blades’, including a season in the English Premier League. After earning Club Legend status at Sheffield United, ‘Monty’ arrived on the Central Coast to link with the Mariners and has made 116 Hyundai A-League appearances for the Yellow and Navy.

The Championship winning midfielder fast became a fan favourite on the Central Coast and was an obvious decision for captaincy when he was awarded the skipper’s armband from outgoing captain, John Hutchinson in 2015.

Montgomery found the back of the net three times during his career with the Mariners and signed off in style by winning the club’s ‘Noel Spencer Goal of the Year’ Award for his stunning strike against the Newcastle Jets in Hyundai A-League round 26, ultimately handing the Mariners’ fierce rivals the wooden spoon.

In an exciting development for the club, Nick Montgomery has accepted the role of ‘Head of Football & Elite Performance’ which is a coup for the Mariners’ football department.
Montgomery will take on a key leadership role within the Central Coast Mariners Hyundai A-League, Foxtel National Youth League and Academy sides and ensure that the club’s values are maintained.

Drawing on over 500 games and 18 seasons as a professional footballer, Montgomery’s appointment marks a significant step forward in the Mariners’ off-field resources.

Central Coast Mariners CEO, Shaun Mielekamp thanked Nick Montgomery for his service to the club and outlined what his new role will entail.

“Monty is a champion and it is a great sign of where the club is headed that we are able to grow our resources and expertise in off field roles,” Mielekamp said. “For too long this has been an area that the Mariners have been the only club in the A-League not to employ someone in this vital role. He will provide support to Paolo and myself and be ingrained throughout the club to ensure that our culture, values, football operations and elite performance aspects of the club are working to absolute optimum levels.

“I know that it must have felt like the entire world was holding their breath to see what decision Nick would make and Nick showed just how much of a true professional he is in how he handled a very tough moment in any player’s journey. Now he starts a new chapter and I am sure that this is a very exciting one for him and his family, his loyalty to the club combined with his work ethic and genuine passion will play an integral role in the club reclaiming our position in Australian football as we head into a new era in our history,” Mielekamp said.

Montgomery has also agreed to a guest playing stint with PS4 NPL NSW Club, Wollongong Wolves FC where he will take on a mentoring role with Jacob Timpano’s young side for their 13 remaining league games of the season.

Nick Montgomery thanked Mariners’ fans for their ongoing support, spoke about his decision to retire from professional football and fondly reflected on his five seasons with the Mariners.

“It’s not been the easiest decision in the world but I think it’s the right decision and right time at this stage in my career,” Montgomery said. “I had a few conversations with Paul Okon, the coaching staff, the CEO & the owner about this new role, which most clubs in the A-League have. Most of the clubs in the A-League have someone heading up football, working between the first team and the CEO to really push this club forward to ensure we compete with all the other clubs in the league. Despite not having the spending power of the other clubs, I’m confident that we can attract the right players so that we can be challenging for the top six every season.

“To come out here, win the grand final and play in the Asian Champions League straight away was fantastic. The fans have been brilliant, this is a fantastic place to play football, it’s been a tough couple of seasons but moving forward the club is in a great position. This season we set a platform with a new playing style and I think everyone can see that the club is on the way up – hopefully we can bring some new signings in and turn this club back into a team challenging for that top six every year.

“I look back on my career with fond memories having played at the highest level but for me it’s good that I can carry on playing semi-pro for a while – this is a decision where I’ve put the family first, a decision that is perfect for our long term future here on the Central Coast, with the Mariners.

“I want to thank everyone for how amazing they’ve all been since I arrived. From the moment I arrived the supporters and local community have always been kind to me. I’ve made some amazing friends and some are like family now. My daughters have grown up here, they started school on the Coast this year and it’s a special place so I love that we’ve made the decision to settle here and not to move on.

“I’ve been loyal since the day I started out my career. I spent 14 years at one club in England and five with one club here. I’ve never been one to jump ship, I always like a challenge, I’ve had great success and tough times both here and in England but I’m a loyal person who always wants to see a challenge through. I’m committed to making the club a better place and help the young pros.

“There’s not much loyalty in football now but I’m proud to say that I only played for two clubs in my professional career,” Montgomery said.

Montgomery also spoke about how the opportunity presented itself to play semi-professional with some former Mariners at the Wollongong Wolves.

“After the season finished here and I was making my mind up, assessing options in Asia as well as the U.K. I got a text from my old teammate Justin Pasfield asking if I would be interested in a short stint in Wollongong,” Montgomery said. “When I was in the A-League All Stars we trained, and played there and I thought what a fantastic stadium, good football club so for me when I got the text I thought let’s explore it.

“Within a day, I’d spoken to the manager in Jacob Timpano and the CEO who were passionate about getting me down there to help mentor the young squad they’ve got because for me it’s a perfect fit so I’m delighted to be joining them,” Montgomery said.

- See more at: http://www.ccmariners.com.au/articl...xci9gtkpqgb12zj76eqg5xbc#sthash.SzzSxzcE.dpuf
Read more at http://www.ccmariners.com.au/articl...2xci9gtkpqgb12zj76eqg5xbc#zlIQCFu72mP21dYU.99

If only it had truly been his decision and not the stubbornness of PO refusing to offer him another year's deal.

I have personally lost a lot of respect for the club by how they made Monty stand up in front of the whole room and pretend that this was his decision - absolutely disgraceful but it just shows the class of the man that he towed the line and how ready the club has become to discard its supposed culture. We can only hope that the offer to retain him as Head of Football and Elite Performance isn't just some bs smoke and mirrors exercise to keep fans sweet.

It is a reals shame that neither PO or MC can see what they are losing both on and off the pitch and I really don't see how the club is going to be able to replace him. Who will the team now look to for leadership? The selection from the remaining playing group is pretty short and uninspiring IMHO. Who of the youngsters will have the chutzpah to pick the team up when the chips are down and drive them on to get back in the game? Hmmmmm ponder that one for as long as you like.

I truly hope that my pessimism for the coming season is way off the mark but I have significant reservations about PO's management style and given how badly the club has handled contract negotiations with Izzo and (I am led to believe) Posco, I would not be at all surprised if they stuff up the recruitment of Paolo's European cavalry.

2017/18 could be another tough season people, so we had all better fasten our seat belts!

 

[scottmac]

How the f**k would anyone know if he's been forced. It may have been his idea. If PO wanted him gone like everyone is saying then why the role with the club?

Bunch of f**king conspiracy theorist's who obviously know better than those getting paid to do the job.

Stop tarnishing his decision and his legacy and take it for what it is. He actually spoke about thinking this exact thing and wether it was time during this season so we know it was going through his mind.

 

[Wombat]

How the f**k would anyone know if he's been forced. It may have been his idea. If PO wanted him gone like everyone is saying then why the role with the club?

Bunch of f**king conspiracy theorist's who obviously know better than those getting paid to do the job.

Stop tarnishing his decision and his legacy and take it for what it is. He actually spoke about thinking this exact thing and wether it was time during this season so we know it was going through his mind.

He told me he wanted to play next season in fact he thought he had 2 years left in him. Its not a theory mate, its fact. Read Monty's press release again.

 

[Atomic]

How the f**k would anyone know if he's been forced. It may have been his idea. If PO wanted him gone like everyone is saying then why the role with the club?

Bunch of f**king conspiracy theorist's who obviously know better than those getting paid to do the job.

Stop tarnishing his decision and his legacy and take it for what it is. He actually spoke about thinking this exact thing and wether it was time during this season so we know it was going through his mind.

Here, here... well said scottmac.

Personally, I thought that he had one more top quality season in him, and I also thought he was the hard, experienced man needed to guide the youngsters. Like all great champions though, it's better to see them retire one season too early, rather than one season too late.

Monty is in my elite all-time Mariners list. Quite possibly my all-time favourite Mariner, although that's a tough one to nail down to just one man.

Thanks, Monty, for being part of what was once a stellar football team... and thanks even more for sticking around and working your butt off to try and drag this magnificent club out of the doldrums of the last 3 seasons. I'm sorry yu had to be put through that. For me, the send off you gave Reddy will be remembered forever more as one of the best moments in Mariners history.

 

[Big Al]

Look it's Paulo team and has he made a significant stuff up or could he see the end? We will never truely know.

Paulo will learn an awful lot from this.

I love a guy who justs wants to play like Monty does but guys like that need the tap on the shoulder as they would play for ever.

If Paulo gets it wrong then he will be on the scrap heap with plenty others.

However Paulo made some ballsy calls like dragging Faty at half time in rd 1. He's not afraid of making tough calls and I like that.

Knee caping two legends and still being trusted means he must of done some good things this year.

Leadership is an absolute must and as mentioned that will be the biggest hole. Currently we don't have a guy to lift the team when down 2-0 or after a couple of losses in a row but we will see what comes in.

Hopefully half way through next season we are saying good move not stupid.

Nice work Paulo you took down Hutch to start the season and Monty to finish it and you are still standing

 

[Ozhammer]

How the f**k would anyone know if he's been forced. It may have been his idea. If PO wanted him gone like everyone is saying then why the role with the club?

Bunch of f**king conspiracy theorist's who obviously know better than those getting paid to do the job.

Stop tarnishing his decision and his legacy and take it for what it is. He actually spoke about thinking this exact thing and wether it was time during this season so we know it was going through his mind.

Not going to enter a slagging match but I know what I know and it's not a conspiracy theory. PO wanted him off the pitch and in the process has managed to leave us with no truly experienced players in our squad that is a fact.

You can bring in all the players you like but it takes time to build a team and not just have 11 individuals running around on the park (Melbourne City anyone?). The loss of our on-field leader will have a serious effect IMO and even if the club manages to bring in good players, they will still have to earn the respect and trust of the existing players.

If PO hands the armband to Storm, that will be a poor decision, not because he isn't a decent player (and huge kudos to him for coming back from such a bad injury) but what is his skin in the game? Played for 1 A-League club and an All White? Even at my amateur level of the game I value my team captain's influence and it takes a unique blend of attributes to be a true leader.

We will all have a view on this issue and if it had been Monty's decision, then I could live with it but it wasn't and so the club needs to be honest with the fans about it, instead of the playing the spin game. If people think all is sweetness and light in the background to this, they are very much mistaken.

 

[true believer]

I find it unacceptable monty wont be signed. It will be a monument mistake from the club and okon .
Next season no matter the outcome without him will be a fail

 

[JoyfulPenguin]

How the f**k would anyone know if he's been forced. It may have been his idea. If PO wanted him gone like everyone is saying then why the role with the club?

Bunch of f**king conspiracy theorist's who obviously know better than those getting paid to do the job.

Stop tarnishing his decision and his legacy and take it for what it is. He actually spoke about thinking this exact thing and wether it was time during this season so we know it was going through his mind.

I'm not saying that what people said they heard from him directly, I'm saying it from a point of view from a direct quote from Monty himself " After the season finished here and I was making my mind up, assessing options in Asia as well as the U.K." That doesn't sound like someone being given an option to play on does it? I respect Paolo and truly hope and believe he can deliver next year with the squad he is assembling but Monty on minimum wage for next season considering how highly he is held in regard by the fans and his fellow players surely couldn't have been a bad thing?

 

[pjennings]

I'm also not going to get into a slanging match - except to say I think Monty had more to give on the field.

However, he has over time let it been know that coaching and mentoring young players is something he is interested in. In the past that has also been tinged with a bit of "I love Australia but I know I could get work in England" (more particularly with the Blades). If he has made the decision that Australia and the Mariners is where he wants to be then I am thankful for that.

Monty is a Mariners legend. He will always be a Mariners legend. I suspect that being 'Head of Football & Elite Performance’ has a lot longer tenure than that of a First Team Manager. I look forward to seeing Monty and his influence around the club for years to come.

 

[Holy]

I reckon by about round 3 next season, we will know if it's been the right decision. Sometimes you don't really know what your missing until it's gone.

What do you say about someone who gave their all every time he took the field. You can ask no more. Thank you doesn't seem enough.

It has been a absolute pleasure to watch you play, your determination was truly inspirational. All of my family will miss you, for you were a favourite in the holy household.

Your goal (rightly goal of the year) to hand back the wooden spoon to its rightful owners will be forever be remembered as as one of my favourite mariners moments.

Your signed jersey has now gone straight to the pool room, for a beer will always be toasted in your honour.

You are a true Mariners legend.

Cheers

 

[Gratis]

A truly sad moment. Fare thee Well, Monty. Instant entry into any Mariners Legends category.
Very happy he's staying on as a Mariner though and in an influential role at the club too.

I agree he had a quality year or two at least in him and that what he did for the team is next to irreplaceable.
What will be will be, however, and I wish him all the best.

 

[Gratis]

I like Ansell, have him in my FIFA (game) team

Also, and totally left field here - someone told me yesterday there was a rumour Dino Djulbic was being talked to...have no idea if there is anything to this one or if it's total rubbish

 

[JoyfulPenguin]

Ansell and Bray would be pretty good signings I think. Though Ansell is being rumoured to be being looked at by quite a few clubs, so if above 150,000 I don't think he would be worthwhile.

 

[Yoda]

Perth Glory have re-signed Castro for another year.

Glory also annouced the departure of 10 first team players with Dino Djulbic, Richard Garcia, Lucian Goian, Nebojsa Marinkovic, Mitch Oxborrow, Jordan Thurtell, Kosta Petratos, Josh Risdon, Aryn Williams and Rhys Williams all leaving the club.

Three new signings were also confirmed, with Scott Neville, Jacob Poscoliero and Joe Knowles signing on.

 

[nebakke]

Mitch Nicholls is worth considering.

Christ man! And you thought me suggesting Morten Nordstrand was bad!?
He's been played out of position this whole season - in same role as Nicholls - and he's managed more goals.

Not to mention that Nicholls is right up there with Bosnar and Reddy.