Tony Walmsley has been appointed as permanent technical director/head Coach of the Central Coast Mariners for the 2015/16 Hyundai A-League season.
After taking the helm as an interim replacement for Phil Moss in the lead up to the club’s Hyundai A-League Round 20 fixture against Melbourne City, Walmsley will commence the role on a permanent basis, effective May 1.
Over the past six weeks, the Central Coast Mariners Owner Mike Charlesworth, along with Executive Vice Chairman, Peter Storrie and with the assistance of Walmsley have scaled the globe for a suitable candidate to lead the yellow and navy into battle.
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Central Coast Mariners Owner, Mike Charlesworth said the brief was to source a head coach with an excellent track record in youth development who also understands that as a business we need to change our focus towards one of entertainment over and above anything.
“With such a small population base over a large geographical area we need to do something special next season to attract new fans and bring some of the old ones back,” Charlesworth said.
“Without fear of failure we simply have to innovate and entertain and I believe Tony has both the understanding of this task and the experience to see this challenge through successfully.”
Walmsley said he was honoured to be named the club’s fourth head coach and is adamant he is the right man to lead the Mariners next season.
“Coaching in the Hyundai A League is the aspiration of a many coaches, both here and overseas. It comes with an incredible responsibility and at a time when sustainability is demanded as the league continues to evolve,” he said.
“When Peter Storrie asked if I would consider taking the Head Coach role at the Mariners I needed to weigh up the opportunity carefully. It is an honour to be invited to take on the role, but I needed to be clear about my commitment to success, identify what success looks like and how I can make a difference.
“The club’s mantra is entertainment, youth and community. As Technical Director I was brought in to deliver a football program aligned to the commercial objectives of the club. This means a recruitment charter that identifies players with embedded talent that can be identified, contribute on the pitch, developed and sold.”
