A move by new boss Graham Arnold has seen Mariner Michael McGlinchey flourish.
After plenty of negotiation Arnold got his man when former Argentina under-20 representative Patricio Perez signed on.
Many Mariners fans wondered what the arrival of Perez would mean for one of the club-s better performers last season – Michael McGlinchey.
Under former boss Lawrie McKinna, McGlinchey was at the heart of the Mariners midfield and did enough in his first season in Australia to book a place in New Zealand-s World Cup squad.
But with Perez on the books, what role would McGlinchey play under Arnold?
The former Socceroos boss liked what he saw from McGlinchey during the pre-season, but felt he was better suited to right midfield.
Initially McGlinchey was unsure whether he would be able to have the same type of impact on the right as he could in the centre of midfield.
But with the A-League finals fast approaching, the move has been a masterstroke from Arnold.
McGlinchey has not only been one of the Mariners best performers, he is also among the form players in the competition.
His consistent form has been a feature of the Mariners revival this season.
“Without a shadow of doubt I-m in the best form I’ve been in since coming to Australia,” McGlinchey said.
“In the position I-m playing my fitness had to improve because I need to do a lot of cover in defence.”
“When I-m in the final third the only thought in my mind is to have a go.”
“My confidence is very high.”
Another man who has been extremely impressed with McGlinchey’s form for Central Coast is New Zealand coach Ricki Herbert.
Herbert saw first-hand just how well McGlinchey is playing when the former Celtic player scored the only goal in the Mariners 1-0 win over Wellington at Gosford.
It was his first goal since his Mariners debut at the start of last season.
McGlinchey said playing more international football is high on his list of priorities.
While he loved being part of the Kiwis World Cup squad, he was disappointed not to get on the field in any of New Zealand’s matches.
The Kiwis are expected to play China and Japan in March and the Mariner is desperate to be a part of both fixtures.
Arnold said he hopes McGlinchey can give him more of the same during Central Coast’s run-in to the finals.
“I couldn’t be happier with Mikey, he’s been great for us all season,” Arnold said.
“He’s adapted to the position very well and has been one of our most consistent players.”
“We need him to keep that going for the rest of the competition.”
