The time for talk at Central Coast Mariners is over. That’s the message from Alen Stajcic as the Mariners boss plots his complete post-season overhaul in Gosford.
And Stajcic’s rebuild is already gaining momentum after the former Westfield Matildas coach finalised his coaching staff on Wednesday.
Key changes include former assistant Nick Montgomery moving into a Head of Performance role, the appointment of Luca Tonetti as the club’s Strength & Conditioning coach, while the club are also seeking a full-time video analyst before pre-season commences in late June.
NEW RECRUITS: Stajcic adds to Central Coast staff
DONE DEAL: Mariners add Gallifuoco for next squad
DEPARTURES: Three players leave Gosford as contracts end
According to the 45-year-old – who was appointed head coach on May 1 – the upcoming pre-season is critical to get right if the 2012/13 Champions are to become a competitive Hyundai A-League force under his reign.
“We know everyone can talk a good game but it’s up to us now to deliver on the pitch and give the fans some real hope,” Stajcic told FTBL.
“Pre-season will be incredibly important for us. To bed down all the important aspects on and off the field.
“How we play, how we approach the match, the level of professionalism and the mentality we want to bring along with the tactics.
“Lots of different elements and with new players and turnover in players and staff it is exciting and also gives everyone a new lease of life.”
‘He makes the people around him want to fight’
A soldier on the pitch, a figure of peace off it. That’s what retired Sydney FC skipper Alex Brosque was to defender Jacob Tratt.
Tributes are still flowing for the Sky Blues legend as the Harbour City club comes to terms Brosque’s departure.
Tratt says the veteran striker – who crowned his playing career by leading Sydney to their 2019 Hyundai A-League Grand Final win over Perth Glory – always knew when to rally the troops, and when to keep things cool.
AROUND THE GROUNDS: Victory star's work of art
“His attitude hasn’t changed from the very beginning,” Tratt told Sydney’s official website.
"He’s so relaxed and so calm off the pitch and I think that influences the boys around him.
"But once he crosses that white line he’s a completely different person, he’s ready to fight and win for the club.
"He makes the people around him want to fight. As a leader you need to be able to do that, but he also has that personality where he can off the pitch create calm and ease."
Deng cuts shapes
Thomas Deng is no stranger to the defensive rough and tumble.
But as he proved at Melbourne Victory's awards night, the Caltex Socceroo is an elegant mover on any surface.
Check out the Victory star's moves in the video below!
