Central Coast Mariners Chief Executive Officer, Mr Bruce Stalder, has today moved to reassure members and supporters that the Club has no intention to move from its home – the New South Wales Central Coast.
Stalder, who was quoted in both the The Sun-Herald and The Australian newspapers over the past two days, said rumours that the Club may be relocated to Wollongong or elsewhere are plainly false.
“We are investing heavily in the Central Coast, and this includes a multi-million dollar training and community hub in Tuggerah known as the Central Coast Mariners Centre of Excellence,” Mr Stalder said.
“In fact, this coming Friday we have the opening of our aquatic centre – which is already in operation in partnership with the YMCA – at the site.”
“Work on the third stage of our Centre of Excellence will commence next month, and this includes the development of a public gym, retail outlets, a child care centre, plus an office block not only for our administration, but several local businesses and business people.”
“If anyone needs further evidence of our commitment to the region and our plans to stay put and grow on the Central Coast, I invite them to contact the Club and we will personally take them on a tour of the site,” he said.
Stalder acknowledged that the Club does owe money to Gosford City Council, however emphasised that a payment plan with Council is in place to ensure that that debt is finalised.
He also said that figures reported in the The Sun-Herald on Sunday were inflated.
“Reports of a “lockout” of Central Coast Stadium are incorrect,” Mr Stalder said. “No one from the Council has contacted us to note that we might not be able to play at the Stadium come the start of Hyundai A-League season ten, nor was anyone from Council actually quoted in the article.”
“Gosford City Council are simply not the type of organisation to make threats to Central Coast Mariners.”
“We have reduced our debts to Council significantly over recent times, and we will continue to do so.”
“We have very open and regular communication with Gosford City Council, who are a valued partner of the Club, and we can assure fans that the eleven Hyundai A-League matches scheduled for the venue this season will be played there.”
“Central Coast Stadium, Gosford, will continue to be our primary base, and the Central Coast will always be the home of the Mariners,” Stalder concluded.
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