Football Season Guide

Despite the slight improvement witnessed last season and the lucky avoidance of second wooden spoon in a row, Yellow and Blues finished a single point above Newcastle Jets, a lot more will be needed if Mariners want to play in the play-offs again and over the summer coach Okon turned his attention to Holland for answers. Paul Okon released many of those that disappointed last term and three transfers in from Europe seem to be his main attempt to improve Mariners’ displays. The Dutch holding midfielders Brama and Hiariej should form a solid partnership in front of the back four, allowing De Silva to roam forward with freedom from the number ten role. The main hope for better defensive actions lies in the acquisition of centre-back Alan Baro from Victory, with the experienced Spaniard immediately selected to be Mariners’ new captain. Veteran Josh Rose also returned with the promise for regular starts at left-back, but at 35 he is not as reliable as he used to be. Also the other options in defence are not hugely impressive and Mariners will most likely continue to struggle at the back. Padron was signed to replace O’Donovan up front, but as last year he is the only typical centre forward in the squad and if his form is not good or he is forced to miss games there is not much that Okon could do. Still the Spaniard arrives with high reputation, after all just a year ago he was playing in La Liga with Las Palmas, and supported by De Silva and the other new arrival Hoole he should be effective when given good delivery. Okon continues to rely heavily on youngsters and the quick Pain, Buhagiar, Appiah-Kubi and Powell will be the supporting act. Only if they make major contributions Mariners could hope for a better campaign. Considering the type of players in the squad Yellow and Blues are expected to rely on counterattacks through the wide areas, while their back line and the two Dutch holding midfielders sit deep.