In a far-ranging message to club members, owner Mike Charlesworth, conceded the Mariners’ ninth place position on the table “isn’t good enough”.

The club has scored just 12 goals and conceded 26 after 12 rounds and face a tough start to 2017 beginning with a New Year’s Eve clash against Melbourne City.

CEO Shaun Mielekamp and Head Coach Paul Okon have been given the greenlight to reinforce the young squad provided the “right opportunity” presents.

“I have encouraged Shaun and Paolo to look very closely at the January transfer window which is an exciting time for all football fans," Chairman Mike Charlesworth said.

“When it comes to player recruitment we need to be very precise and I am hopeful, if the right opportunity presents itself, that we can add an exciting addition to our squad for the remainder of the A-League 2016/17 season.

“Although our league position isn’t good enough, improvements are now visible compared to where the team was placed last season and with the youngest squad in the A-League.

“It is important that we maintain our position as the best development club for young Australian talent and I believe we are doing that.”

Complaints about the squad's balance have come from inside the team, with veteran striker Roy O'Donovan speaking publicly about the need for more experienced players. 

The Mariners have traditionally eschewed big signings but stunned the league earlier this year when they picked up Liverpool legend Luis Garcia in the second half of the 2015/16 season.

Charlesworth said membership and attendances were up at the club and he was encouraged by the changes Okon had made since taking the helm at the start of the season.

“Under Paolo’s guidance we are playing attractive possession based football which will only continue to develop as he builds his team,” he said.