"I've had a lot of travelling and a lot of work since (before the 2006 FIFA World Cup) 2005 with the Socceroos, averaging 250 to 275 days a year away," said the Central Coast Mariners boss.
 
"I hadn't had a break for a year and a half. After (the 2010 FIFA World Cup in) South Africa I pretty much got straight back into it here.
 
"It was important for myself to have a break as well and I feel much better. I came home feeling fresher, not turning up tired, which was the signal for me that I needed a break so I had a good break and I'm happy."
 
The rest period is certainly over for the entire squad, which was welcomed back with gruelling sessions over the weekend and into the early part of the week, despite being eight days away from their next A-League hitout, against Brisbane Roar at Suncorp Stadium next Wednesday night.
 
While the Mariners have had time away from the playing field, it's a hectic time for Brisbane, who play Newcastle on Saturday night, before hosting the Yellow and Navy on three days later.
 
"We've got a pretty tough road run now, we've got five games away but if we can maintain our position it sets us up well for when we come back to Bluetongue," said Mariners captain Alex Wilkinson.
 
"If they get a win on the weekend they'll be coming in full of confidence but it's going to be a very big test for us and a big game. They're equal on points with us and some of the football they've been playing is pretty good so it's going to be a good test for us.
 
"I'm more than confident that with us being so fresh, and if we go into the game nice and sharp, then we've got enough to get the three points up there."