Stajcic says he understands why there's cynicism about the Mariners' reboot after a barren six years. 

Some believe the Mariners will again be A-League easy-beats, finishing outside the six as other clubs and the expansion sides forge ahead over the coming years. 

“Definitely, I agree. If I was a neutral fan I’d be saying the same things,” he told FTBL when quizzed about the cynicism.

“But, the time for talk is over. And actions are the only things that count," he countered. 

“And that goes for all of us, from board level to administrators to coaches to players.

“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.

“Talk is cheap," Stajcic declared, 

Fighting words.

But it’s tough if you’re rusted on to the Mariners because their loyal fanbase has heard it all before.

Mike Mulvey told the faithful to believe in mid-2018. That didn’t pan out and inside one season he left after an 8-2 loss earlier this year.

Before him, Paul Okon in 2017 assembled an eye-catching squad but parted ways with the club after a dispute over the club’s direction and a rumored lack of say in recruitment.

Prior to that, the Tony Walmsley era was underwhelming, to say the least in 2015. 

 

Six years ago...

The 2013 Championship era under Graham Arnold remains a distant memory, back when “Arnie” ran every part of the Mariners show to devastating effect.

With this in mind, newly installed coach Stajcic wants a complete change in all aspects of the club - on and off the park.

And he has a mandate with a three-year deal after taking over as caretaker with a handful of games left last season. 

It appears he’ll have total control over recruitment after a 30-player NYL and NPL trial and a European scouting adventure.

PLUS...

Transfer trials: Mariners invite 30, signings to come

Central Coast Mariners’ recent three-week trial window has reaped “one or two” new signings though a marquee isn’t likely, according to head coach Alen Stajcic.

Stajcic’s stamp on the next season will be revealed over the next month as players are signed and pre-season starts in late June.

Defender Ruon Tongyik - the highly rated former City and Roar player - is the first, announced today following the acquisition of Giancarlo Gallifuoco from Wanderers.  

The Mariners are backing their new head coach - and not before time - today issuing a release explaining they are appointing a full-time strength and conditioning coach in Luca Tonetti, plus a video analyst ahead of next season’s campaign.

In a restructuring of the Mariners Academy, former club favorite Nick Montgomery moves to the position of Head of Performance Phase which sees him leading the U18s, the 20s and First Grade Men’s Academy sides for the remainder of the season.