I believe this is our crunch year. We need to deliver on our strengths in the next couple of years before the next TV deal. This means youth and the COE.
Of our 25 players we only have Reddy, Nash, Roux, Kalik, Slater, Caceres, Rose, Vernes and Duke signed beyond this season. Josh Rose, Neill, Anderson, Bosnar, Griffiths, Poscoliero, Morton, Monty, Hutch, Kim, Sim, Tricky, Fitzy, Cernak, Mane and Simin are all on their last year. This gives Mossy a great chance to rebuild the squad. However, players have to want to stay here or come here. I think for that top happen a number of things have to be delivered on.
For young players, the Academy/s, the NYL and the scouting network need to be seen as the pathway to the Mariners first team. Mossy admitted that when he was made the first team manager that the worst decision by the club that was made was to not replace him as Academy TD. A decision based on money and one which I believe they are working hard to repair the damage done.
For older players we need stability in the club. It is all well and good to say you are committed to the coast, and further investment would seem to point that way, but a blueprint for growth, even if it includes games at NSO and Brookvale needs to be shown. Some further delivery on the COE and a achievable blueprint will allay a lot of fears around stability.
For supporters the blueprint is also needed. In 2017 when we have either 17 or 18 games home games do people want to pay an extra 50% on top of their season ticket to see all the games or would 13 or 14 home games be sufficient? The other thing that is needed is for the supporters to want to come. The club seems to want to enhance the 'game-day' experience but it really comes down to a successful team that the community can embrace. That means attractive play and cult figures. Duke is an obvious cult figure but I believe Mane, with fitness, can also be one. Equally, the emergence of players like Kalik, Rose and Neill as well as the development of Caceres and Fitzgerald will be welcomed by the supporters. However, it is up to Mossy to set us up to play attractive and hopefully successful football.
