Mariners ‘can’t be diminished’: coach on ALM ownership
Joanna Guelas |
Outgoing Central Coast coach Warren Moon has promised better days are ahead for the cash-strapped A-League Men club.
Moon’s one-season chapter at the embattled Mariners ended with a 4-0 F3 derby away loss to premiers Newcastle, missing out on a finals spot and finishing ninth.
Central Coast were widely expected to finish closer to the bottom of the ladder when treble-winning coach Mark Jackson left on the eve of the season amid ownership issues.
The Mariners have been propped up by the Australian Professional Leagues since January, with issues stemming back to when Richard Peil quit as owner in 2024.
Peil had cited the league’s funding cuts as a major reason behind his decision, handing the reins back to previous owner Mike Charlesworth.
A far cry from the club’s trophy-winning 2023/24 season, Moon couldn’t shed light on current ownership talks, but was optimistic a deal was close.
English championship side Queens Park Rangers have reportedly emerged as the frontrunners to buy the club.
“We’re hearing what everyone else is hearing. It’s close, but I’m hoping when it’s finalised there’ll be some clarity for everyone,” Moon said.
“There are better days ahead for this football club. There’s no doubt about it.
“There’s a real DNA. There’s a culture in this building. It doesn’t matter about ownership … this can’t be diminished.
“While it wasn’t probably what we wanted this year in terms of finals, I don’t think many people thought we’d finish anywhere other than last.”
Moon leaves the Mariners to rejoin his family in Brisbane, saying he hasn’t been able to carve out time for his children since Christmas.
He had replaced Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler as Roar coach towards the end of the 2019/20 season, but was sacked in 2023.
Brisbane – 11th in the league on 26 points – are coached by Michael Valkanis, who replaced Ruben Zadkovich for this season.
“Brisbane’s probably on the cards for me,” Moon said.
“I thought I had done a reasonably good job at Brisbane in difficult circumstances, but I think I’ve shown this year I can coach and coach under adversity.
“I would absolutely relish another opportunity down the track, and who knows? Maybe it’s back at the Mariners.”
AAP