Mariners act to avoid being A-League’s worst ever team

Central Coast coach Mike Mulvey will delve into the January transfer window to rescue something from the rest of the season.

Mariners coach Mike Mulvey will go to the market to strengthen his team.

Central Coast Mariners coach Mike Mulvey will delve into the January transfer window in a bid to rescue something from the rest of the A-League season as the club attempts to avoid the embarrassment of being the worst team in the history of the national competition.

Still winless after 10 rounds, the Mariners suffered their eighth straight loss, going down 4-1 to Perth Glory on Monday night in a New Year’s Eve game that will also be remembered for the fiasco surrounding a broken goalpost which caused a 40-minute delay.

The Mariners have now gone 16 games, stretching back to last season, without a win and there are fears among their faithful that they could struggle to win a game at all this season.

Certainly they are up against it in their next three games against Sydney FC (Friday), Wellington Phoenix and Melbourne City, with all three clubs in the top six.

The defunct New Zealand Knights have the worst A-League record of all time having won just one match, drawn three and lost 17 for a total of six points in the inaugural season in 2005-06.

As inept performances go, the Mariners’ first half against Perth was about as bad as it gets and it was reflected in the sight of some fans walking out at the 40-minute mark while many of those who remained jeered the team at halftime.

A group of fans unfurled a banner on top of a carpark opposite the ground aimed at owner Mike Charlesworth. It read simply: “Charlesworth out.”

The Mariners showed a bit of fight on the field to prevent more damage in the second half, but Mulvey made it clear it simply wasn’t good enough and he intends to bolster the squad with some new signings.

“All I know is I have had some good conversations upstairs (with the owner and club management) and we are working hard looking at players who could come in and help our situation,” Mulvey said.

He wasn’t saying what areas he intends to strengthen but confirmed he won’t be looking at any foreigners.

The club has fallen down in terms of the visa players they signed this season with Scotsman Ross McCormack having returned home after just five games and former Mali international Khalifa Cisse having been left out of the squad completely for the past two games and seemingly on the outer.

“This group of players are honest and are giving their best and trying hard, but we are falling short in certain circumstances,” Mulvey said.

“We know where we need to try and strengthen but it would not be fair on the players we have here to say which positions.

“In terms of foreign players, if we bring one in then we still have to wait six weeks for their visas to come through. That would take us into the middle of February so that is not possible.”

In regards to McCormack, who was due to return to the club last week, Mulvey wasn’t giving anything away despite reports from overseas that the on-loan striker is being chased by three Scottish clubs.

“He is an Aston Villa player and we are waiting to hear from them,” he said.

“We let him go back to get his injury further assessed as well as for compassionate reasons as he was missing his two children. As soon as we hear from Villa we will let you know.”

At the other end of the spectrum, life is good for Glory coach Tony Popovic and his team. They are travelling comfortably at the top of the table as we go into the second third of the season.

Popovic believes there is still more to come from the team.

“It’s a great feeling to finish the year on top,” Popovic said.

“The players have done exceptionally well. There’s a lot of good things to look back on and they should be proud.

“There is still a lot of work ahead with a busy schedule, but we have put ourselves in a good position. Now we have to navigate a tricky period and try to finish the season strong.”