THIS Hyundai A-League Premiers Plate is for the players, our wonderful supporters and the people of the Central Coast!
THIS Hyundai A-League Premiers Plate is for the players, our wonderful supporters and the people of the Central Coast!
The players deserve every accolade that comes with winning a competition and while the Grand Final is the big prize in Australian sport, everyone knows the value and importance of being first past the post – the most consistent team of the season.
Forget the silverware for one moment. Just going to Wellington and getting a win is hard enough. To do it with Brisbane breathing down your neck on the last day of the regular season knowing the winner takes all is no mean feat believe me.
Our fans have been fantastic and the players genuinely wanted to deliver the Plate for you guys!
The feeling of jubilation mixed with relief last Sunday night that we have now delivered a piece of silverware for the Yellow and Navy was indescribable.
Being crowned premiers allows us to enter the semi-finals with a free spirit, in form and with momentum and confidence – all crucial ingredients to going a step further.
We have every player in the squad fit – at this stage of a season it-s a huge credit to our medical staff – and now have something to show for an incredible two seasons.
He-ll hate me saying this but so much credit must go to coach Graham Arnold.
He has turned this team into a football force to be reckoned with both here and in Asia and the style of play we produce each week is a true reflection of his philosophies and beliefs.
“Arnie” is the best coach in the country and the atmosphere and environment he has created under difficult circumstances makes it a joy for his players and staff to turn up for work each day.
With the regular season out of the way let-s reflect on some interesting statistics from the last two seasons. We have amassed 108 points with 31 wins, 15 draws and just 11 losses from a possible 171 points (57 games), scored 90 goals and conceded just 55 goals (less than a goal a game which is every team-s target).
A new competition starts tomorrow when we renew our steadily growing rivalry with Brisbane Roar at Suncorp Stadium in the opening leg of the major semi-final.
It-s going to be another very interesting week for both clubs with us backing up on Tuesday night against South Korean outfit Seongnam at Bluetongue Stadium and Brisbane travelling to Asia for their ACL clash on Wednesday night before our return stoush at Gosford on Easter Sunday.
It-s the cost of being successful in the A-League and we wouldn-t have it any other way! Strap yourselves in and enjoy the ride as always.
