David Votoupal
Well-Known Member
OK, OK... the (home and away) season isn't over yet, 2nd place isn't technically guaranteed but is very close to it but still...
It takes big guts to admit when you're wrong about something. And I think there's a lot of people in the football community, myself included, who were proven wrong about Graham Arnold. And proven wrong in the most convincing manner imaginable. His appointment was greeted with a good deal of scepticism, both among the Mariners support and many others in the football world. There are those of us who had been burned, for instance, by his poor results with the Socceroos. But that's a story for another day. And to prejudge somebody can be foolish in the extreme.
Of course, I won't need to add that Lawrie McKinna is a gentleman and a magnificent ambassador for the club and game, and that he remains involved is heartening to see. Even though it's fair to say that a major change at CCM was needed based on results over the previous two seasons.
It's not hard in this league to get yourselves up again after a poor season. Which BR, CCM and AU have all done. But the way it's been done, well...
Those who know me will know I've always been unapologetic about both style of play and wanting to raise standards. I don't believe in accepting mediocrity, or even tolerating it. This season we have seen a significant lifting of playing and coaching standards in the A-League that NEED to be built upon and maintained. And I believe that Central Coast Mariners should feel proud of the part the club is playing in this football revolution.
There's been very little to fault in this season's Mariners. The defence, for most part, has been solid with the experience of Zwaanswijk a great addition to the team and the league. The midfield has been a treat with players like Perez, Amini, McGlinchey and Bozanic, ably anchored by Rostyn Griffiths. Maybe, just maybe, there's a need for extra class up front, but I guess you can't have everything! Still, the fact that players who would have been walk-ins previously have to fight for their spot is refreshing.
Progress this season has been more than impressive. It's been a treat to watch for most part. And you would want to see this progress maintained in the coming years.
It takes big guts to admit when you're wrong about something. And I think there's a lot of people in the football community, myself included, who were proven wrong about Graham Arnold. And proven wrong in the most convincing manner imaginable. His appointment was greeted with a good deal of scepticism, both among the Mariners support and many others in the football world. There are those of us who had been burned, for instance, by his poor results with the Socceroos. But that's a story for another day. And to prejudge somebody can be foolish in the extreme.
Of course, I won't need to add that Lawrie McKinna is a gentleman and a magnificent ambassador for the club and game, and that he remains involved is heartening to see. Even though it's fair to say that a major change at CCM was needed based on results over the previous two seasons.
It's not hard in this league to get yourselves up again after a poor season. Which BR, CCM and AU have all done. But the way it's been done, well...
Those who know me will know I've always been unapologetic about both style of play and wanting to raise standards. I don't believe in accepting mediocrity, or even tolerating it. This season we have seen a significant lifting of playing and coaching standards in the A-League that NEED to be built upon and maintained. And I believe that Central Coast Mariners should feel proud of the part the club is playing in this football revolution.
There's been very little to fault in this season's Mariners. The defence, for most part, has been solid with the experience of Zwaanswijk a great addition to the team and the league. The midfield has been a treat with players like Perez, Amini, McGlinchey and Bozanic, ably anchored by Rostyn Griffiths. Maybe, just maybe, there's a need for extra class up front, but I guess you can't have everything! Still, the fact that players who would have been walk-ins previously have to fight for their spot is refreshing.
Progress this season has been more than impressive. It's been a treat to watch for most part. And you would want to see this progress maintained in the coming years.
