Football Season Guide

After 3 very tough years in a row Mariners desperately need a good season with Okon’s two unsuccessful campaigns in charge coming to an end last spring. Strangely in search of fresh start Mariners turned to coach Mike Mulvey, the man who led the team to their first ever last place finish 3 season ago. At least Mulvey was given the funds to refresh the squad and despite the fact that 5 regulars left this summer Mariners were very active on the transfer market and they added 14 new faces to their ranks, could be 15 if Usain Bolt signs his first professional football contract after spending more than a month on trial. With or without Bolt Mariners have better depth this season and at least in midfield and attack they look stronger. New strikers Gameiro and Simon are likely to provide supporting role for McCormack, who showed good potential during his time with Melbourne City last term. In midfield the coach added two experienced options for the wide positions, Oar and McGilnchey are tested A-League players, which suggests that this season Hoole might be used more often through the middle, a role that seems to be suiting him much better. Dutchman Hiariej remains key figure in the heart of the midfield, but after the departure of his countryman Brama this summer he will now have to form new partnership in the double-six role with one of Cisse or O’Neill. The main worries remain in defence where the quality seems to be low and Mariners will need to excel at the back in order to improve on their poor ‘goals conceded’ record from previous years.