bathurstmariner
Well-Known Member
From 442:
Comeback Nik For Mariners?
Mar 10 2008 22:40
NIK Mrdja is tantalisingly close to hitting the training track as Lawrie McKinna challenges his remaining strikers to step up to the plate at Bluetongue.
As he digests the prospect of being without goalkeeper Danny Vukovic until the end of November, the Central Coast Mariners boss is also pondering his options at the other end of the pitch.
John Aloisis departure for Sydney FC has left a big hole and McKinna has challenged the hit men on the clubs books to show they are more than capable of filling the Socceroo forwards boots.
Mrdja made a cracking start to the season for the Mariners and his early form was enough to earn a call up into the Australia squad for Septembers 1-0 friendly defeat by Argentina.
It all went wrong swiftly after that though with the forward succumbing to yet another knee problem that ended his season prematurely yet again.
This after Mrdja missed the entire 2005/6 campaign and managed just six games the following year.
With numerous setbacks and false starts, the players Mariners future is in limbo but McKinna has his fingers crossed that light is finally at the end of the tunnel.
He told au.fourfourtwo.com: John Aloisi has moved on and so yes, it is an opportunity for some of the other boys to really push on.
Im told that Nik Mrdja is only a week or so away from starting running again so hopefully he can get back to fitness.
"Were not in a position to gamble (with regard to contracts) but well give him every opportunity to show he can get back. Clearly a fit Nik Mrdja is an asset.
Young Matty Simon now has to step up to the plate and build on his first season. Hopefully getting an opportunity for the Under 23 side (Simon was involved in Sundays 1-1 draw with Mexico in San Francisco) will give him another boost.
McKinna is expected to meet with his squad next week to discuss numerous contract situations with Tom Pondeljak and Aloisi having already departed.
McKinna is confident that he can agree terms with those that wish to stay and as for fresh faces, expect some but not simply to make up the numbers.
He said: It might be were looking at around four new players for next season but new players have to be better than the ones weve already got.
Comeback Nik For Mariners?
Mar 10 2008 22:40
NIK Mrdja is tantalisingly close to hitting the training track as Lawrie McKinna challenges his remaining strikers to step up to the plate at Bluetongue.
As he digests the prospect of being without goalkeeper Danny Vukovic until the end of November, the Central Coast Mariners boss is also pondering his options at the other end of the pitch.
John Aloisis departure for Sydney FC has left a big hole and McKinna has challenged the hit men on the clubs books to show they are more than capable of filling the Socceroo forwards boots.
Mrdja made a cracking start to the season for the Mariners and his early form was enough to earn a call up into the Australia squad for Septembers 1-0 friendly defeat by Argentina.
It all went wrong swiftly after that though with the forward succumbing to yet another knee problem that ended his season prematurely yet again.
This after Mrdja missed the entire 2005/6 campaign and managed just six games the following year.
With numerous setbacks and false starts, the players Mariners future is in limbo but McKinna has his fingers crossed that light is finally at the end of the tunnel.
He told au.fourfourtwo.com: John Aloisi has moved on and so yes, it is an opportunity for some of the other boys to really push on.
Im told that Nik Mrdja is only a week or so away from starting running again so hopefully he can get back to fitness.
"Were not in a position to gamble (with regard to contracts) but well give him every opportunity to show he can get back. Clearly a fit Nik Mrdja is an asset.
Young Matty Simon now has to step up to the plate and build on his first season. Hopefully getting an opportunity for the Under 23 side (Simon was involved in Sundays 1-1 draw with Mexico in San Francisco) will give him another boost.
McKinna is expected to meet with his squad next week to discuss numerous contract situations with Tom Pondeljak and Aloisi having already departed.
McKinna is confident that he can agree terms with those that wish to stay and as for fresh faces, expect some but not simply to make up the numbers.
He said: It might be were looking at around four new players for next season but new players have to be better than the ones weve already got.
