Why Melling wants role in Mariners rebuild

Central Coast Mariners have a bright Hyundai A-League future according to Jacob Melling, and the young midfielder does not want to miss out on it.

Melling, 24, has already pledged his allegiance to the struggling Gosford club for next season having signed a two-year extension in April last year.

And although the 2012/13 champions are bound for their third wooden spoon in four seasons, Melling believes he can help steer the Mariners fortunes around.

“I want to turn it around,” Melling said on Tuesday.

“I want to be at a successful club and I know it’s not that at the moment, but I feel like it can be.

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“I want to be at this club, to be here when it changes and when we are making finals and we are pushing for top spot.

“I believe that we can, it’s just a matter of time and getting the right players and the right coach in, and that comes down to the club at the end of the day."

Adelaide-born Melling has impressed in the short but encouraging four-match tenure of Mariners caretaker Alen Stajcic, who took the reins from ex-boss Mike Mulvey on March 12.

The tough-tackling midfielder said he hopes the former Westfield Matildas taskmaster is officially handed the role full time, and charged with bringing the glory days back to the Central Coast.

“I’ve got another year so I’m hoping he stays around,” Melling said.

“He’s been a great coach and I see all the boys get along with him really well and he know what he’s talking about.”

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