Mariners veterans back Moss's youth push

With their season possibly on the line in this weekend's Round 19 F3 derby, senior Central Coast Mariners players have backed coach Phil Moss' push for an injection of youth ahead of the clash against Newcastle Jets.

A-League Rd 16 - Central Coast v Adelaide

during the round 16 A-League match between the Central Coast Mariners and Adelaide United at Central Coast Stadium on February 7, 2015 in Gosford, Australia. Source: Getty Images

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A war of words has broken out between the two clubs with John Hutchinson and Taylor Regan each accusing the other of a lack of identity over the past few days but it's on the field where the Mariners want to make their point.

It's there where Moss is finally ready to unleash two of the league's best kept secrets in 17 year-old midfielders Liam Rose and Anthony Kalik.

Rose got his first league start in the Round 18, 4-2 loss to Sydney FC and lasted just over an hour alongside Nick Montgomery in the centre of the park. His minutes are expected to gradually increase. Kalik again featured off the bench.

Club insiders have long had wraps on the pair who both joined the Mariners out of the AIS last year but it is an incredible show of faith from Moss in two players at such a tender age.

Veteran defender Eddy Bosnar backed the increased involvement of the duo, though saying they're more than ready.

"Both Rose and Kalik have been exceptional for the club and there's really no pressure on them because we all believe in their talents," Bosnar said.

"Liam got his first start last week and went well, he sees the game very well, he has good vision and is really good on the ball."

"Physically they need to get used to the demands of playing regular, intense matches but as experienced players we're there to help them and guide them as they need but so far they're doing really well."

With some positive developments off the field, including the appointment of former West Ham football director Peter Storrie to the club's executive and a development link with Everton, Bosnar believes the future is bright for the recently maligned outfit.

"I feel sorry for the fans but the club is trying to improve things off the field and it's all going in a good direction so now it's up to us to do our part," he said.

That starts with addressing the back-to-back losses the to Sydney and Brisbane and continuing the positive record they have over the Jets, with the Hunter club not having won in the past seven derbies.

"We know the recent results haven't been good enough and as a playing group we have take responsibility for how things are going," Bosnar said.
"Even though we're outside the six at the moment we're still well and truly alive and we won't give up, that's not the culture of this club."

Bosnar, who didn't play last weekend due to a niggling injury and is in doubt for the Jets match, remains desperate to take part in one of the competition's marquee fixtures.

"It was tough not to be out there last weekend but the boys did well and are trying to implement what the coaching staff wants, making runs in behind, trying to press and play higher up the park with quick transitions and with the addition now of Fabio (Ferreira) the side has a different edge to it," he said.

"The derby is always an exciting fixture and this one is especially important for us and we go there full of confidence.

"There's no negativity around the playing group or in the changing room at all."


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4 min read
Published 27 February 2015 11:45am
Updated 27 February 2015 2:33pm
By Scott McIntyre
Source: SBS

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