Mulvey surprised hundreds of members when he fronted an exclusive function on the Central Coast and took part in a Q&A with owner Mike Charlesworth, who skyped in from the UK.

The event was broadcast live on the club’s Facebook Page.

Mulvey's appointment comes after former Mariners boss Paul Okon jumped ship last month.

Central Coast are in a battle with Wellington Phoenix to avoid the wooden spoon with just two points between them and one match of the regular season to go.

 

 

Mulvey indicated he would continue the Mariners' blueprint of promoting talented youngsters.

“I couldn’t be more delighted to be returning to Australia and to embrace the opportunity that exists here on the Central Coast,” Mulvey said.

“The Mariners are a club with a rich history and genuine tradition. During the first decade, they demanded success and developed some wonderful players.

"My task in the coming years is very clear – I want to restore that culture of ambition and promote the hungriest young talent in the country."

The Manchester-born tactician has a proven track record in the A-League after claiming the double in 2013/14 with Brisbane Roar and picking up the Coach of the Year award.

His side were crowned Premiers when they finished 10 points clear of second-placed Western Sydney Wanderers at the end of the regular season.

The 55-year-old went on to lead Roar to a record-breaking third Championship campaign but was dumped by Roar six months later and has since coached in Malaysia and Thailand.

On Wednesday night he praised the tight-knit Central Coast community and spoke about the importance of winning back their trust by putting together a team that everyone can be proud to call their own.

“One thing that always impressed me about the Mariners was how connected this club was with its community," he said.

"Historically, the Mariners are at their best when they are side by side, shoulder-to-shoulder with everyone from Berowra to Budgewoi. We can’t achieve anything without their support.

“More than any other A-League club, this is the club of the people. Winning back their trust, and respect, is imperative for us in winning football matches.

"We want to give the whole region a team to be proud of. We want them to feel that it’s their team and we’re fighting for this community every time we put on the jersey.

Mariners Chief Executive Officer, Shaun Mielekamp welcomed Mulvey to the club.

“It is with great pride that I get to welcome our new Head Coach, Mike Mulvey directly to our members,” Mielekamp said.

“As a football club, we are really proud to be able to unveil Mike in a truly Coastie manner by immediately introducing him to our members.

“We set a very high benchmark and threshold for the level of experience, credibility and ability required for the role and from the outset, it was clear that Mike was the perfect fit for what our club needs.

“Mike is one of a very select few that has won the A-league and from the moment we first connected it was clear that Mike’s vision for our club is perfectly aligned to where we want to head and how we are going to get there.

“It is right now, that the hard work, planning and innovative approaches start on our journey towards the future, we said this could be the most important appointment in the history of the club and we know that the future for our club is in the safe hands of Mike Mulvey,” Mielekamp said.

Mulvey will take the reins at the beginning of the 2018/19 preseason.