As speculation continues to mount regarding Central Coast’s financial status, coach Graham Arnold’s focus is on nothing but winning matches for the Mariners and his players heading into Friday night’s showdown against Adelaide at Hindmarsh Stadium.
As speculation continues to mount regarding Central Coast’s financial status, coach Graham Arnold’s focus is on nothing but winning matches for the Mariners and his players heading into Friday night’s showdown against Adelaide at Hindmarsh Stadium.
Club chairman Peter Turnbull admitted this week that the Mariners were having some short-term cash flow problems, but has promised supporters the club’s future is bright.
Despite all the uncertainty, Arnold has done a wonderful job ensuring the on-field success of the club has continued.
The Mariners are in second spot, unbeaten in five matches and gunning for a hat-trick of wins against the under-pressure Reds.
“I’m paid to coach and the players are paid to play, that’s the focus for us,” Arnold said.
“I don’t want the players to think about all that. Things always change in football clubs but it’s not up to me or the players.”
“We’ve got to focus on football starting with Adelaide on Friday night.”
Meanwhile, Arnold said he would make a late call on who starts on the left of midfield with veteran John Hutchinson and Qantas Australian U-23s skipper Oliver Bozanic both in contention.
Hutchinson has done a sound job starting in the position in wins over Sydney and Melbourne Heart with Bozanic on national duty.
“Hutch (Hutchinson) has done brilliantly since he’s been back,” Arnold said. “It’ll be a late decision.”
Troy Hearfield must also be close to a start up front after several eye-catching performances off the bench.
He scored the winner against Sydney two weeks ago and has impressed every time he has been given game time.
