The Central Coast Mariners can today announce that stage one of the club’s restructure is set to commence as a result of Peter Storrie’s financial and football review.
As a part of the restructure, Storrie has been appointed as the club’s Executive Vice Chairman who has a brief to turn the Mariners into a break-even club and a mantra that is central to “Mariners in the community, giving youth a chance”.
The Central Coast Mariners have been renowned as a club synonymous for developing the best young talent whilst being embedded in the local community – these two aspects will drive the re-brand of the club both on and off the field.
The key organisational changes to be implemented at the helm of the Mariners include: Tony Walmsley (Technical Director), Bruce Stalder (CEO/Sales Director) and Kathryn Duncan (Financial Director).
Walmsley will return to the Mariners having previously worked with the yellow and navy under the tenure of both Lawrie McKinna and Graham Arnold as the Foxtel National Youth League Head Coach & Hyundai A-League Assistant coach.
Under his new portfolio the former head of recruitment at Sheffield United will be responsible for recruitment and development with a key focus on delivering a vibrant and proactive playing style.
“The Football department has a huge responsibility to the overall financial position of the club that can act in two ways: a vibrant playing style that excites the fans and the identification & development of young players with embedded talent who can add value both on the pitch and in the global transfer market,” Walmsley said.
“My first task is to understand exactly where we are and then to align the players and staff on the way forward. This is about talent and how we go from identification to maximum potential. This is a great challenge and I am looking forward to it,” Walmsley said.
Storrie will work hard with both the football and administrative side of the club to ensure that the Mariners are the best community club in the country as well as the number one club for young Australian talent to develop their game.
Youth development, community and football will be the three key benefactors of the club’s restructure and Storrie is calling on the members’ and fans’ support to ensure the future of the Central Coast Mariners.
Storrie also alluded that there would be further announcements in regards to the club’s future.
“In the short time that I have been on the Central Coast I have spoken with a lot of people and next week that will further with talks to the supporter groups.
“I am looking for a fresh start with everyone behind the Mariners moving forward and today is just the first step with further changes and agreements with partners to be announced soon.
“The new executive team operating under detailed budget control will stabilise the club going forward and the further expansion of our work in the community is essential along with the club recruiting the best young football players,” Storrie said.
