Gold Coast United coach Mike Mulvey praised his young team’s courage and character following their 2-0 loss away to Wellington Phoenix.
United’s players’ livelihoods were put in jeopardy on Wednesday when Football Federation Australia stripped owner Clive Palmer of his licence.
But having agreed to play their remaining matches of the Hyundai A-League regular season they gave a good account of themselves at Westpac Stadium – particularly goalkeeper Jerrad Tyson who kept them in the game with some outstanding saves.
Wellington also lacked some polish in front of goal and it was only an Andrew Durante goal in the 29th minute that separated the two sides until substitute Nick Ward rifled home a second in second-half stoppage time.
“I can’t speak highly enough about the courage and the character within that dressing room,” said Mulvey.
“They have been through a lot in the last few days and a lot of it is unfair because it’s through no fault of their own.”
“To be fair and honest I think Wellington could have been home and hosed by half-time but for Jerrad Tyson. It was an onslaught.”
“But we adjusted at half-time and I think the second half was very encouraging in terms of the way that we tried to play and actually did play, particularly in the last 20 minutes. I thought they got a bit nervous towards the end and we created a couple of half-chances.”
“The key now is to regroup. We’ve got a couple of players coming back from injury which will strengthen the group. I’ve got nothing but hope and good thoughts about the games coming up.”
Captain Michael Thwaite has been impressed by how well the young players, such as teenagers Joshua Brilliante, Mitch Cooper, Jake Barker-Daish, Chris Harold and Daniel Bragg, have coped with all the turmoil in recent weeks.
“I’m surprised with how they’ve handled it. You’re talking about 17, 18, 19-year-olds and this is their first professional club,” he said.
“If they can get through this time they can get through anything. To show character and turn up and play the way we do. Whether it is next year or in the next three games the results will start turning our way.”
Thwaite also remains bullish about the future of the club.
“If I was an owner I would be laughing. We don’t really need to look anywhere,” he declared.
“We’ve got the next generation. All you need to do is fill it with a core of experienced players and you’ve got a club.”
“You’ve got the ability to have a five-year plan because they are so young. Imagine when they get through these hard times and through these last games, what steps they can make in the next year.”
“You’ve got the foundation there. It just needs to be built upon. If we get a chance to build that I’m sure it will show for next year.”
He added: “The FFA are going to give us a chance and sit down with a few of the experienced people and the Federations in Gold Coast and Queensland Football. I think it’s up to the players and the main power – the fans.”
“If the fans turn up in our last two home games against Perth and Brisbane Roar it’s up for grabs I think. If we get between 5,000 and 10,000 there’s a big base and that’s the first step of the foundation.”
