Last season was one to remember for Central Coast Mariners as they punched well above their weight to finish third in the A-League Men’s competition.
The club have struggled for nearly a decade now but coach Alen Stajcic found a way to get them performing again.
Stajcic’s surprise departure, however, is just one hurdle the Mariners must overcome if they are to ensure their resurgence continues into this season and they don’t return to losing ways.
Sporting News wraps up the burning questions surrounding the club ahead of the 2021-22 season...
Can the Mariners fairytale continue or is a freefall looming?
Gosford was pumping again last season as Stajcic’s side showed some impressive fight to secure a spot in the finals.
While they would lose to Macarthur in an elimination final, the club deserved enormous credit for a successful campaign.
But just as the club appeared on track for seasons to come, Stajcic announced his decision to leave with rookie coach Nick Montgomery to be thrown in the deep end this season.
Along with Stajcic, the Mariners have also lost talented youngsters Alou Kuol, Gianni Stensness and Daniel De Silva.
They have, however, managed to keep hold of key defender Ruon Tongyik, along with the experienced duo of Matt Simon and Mark Birighitti.
In terms of new signings, former Western Sydney Wanderers midfielder Nicolai Muller has moved to Gosford and is eager to show the A-League Men more of why he played over 100 games in the Bundesliga.
Foreign duo Cy Goddard and Beni Nkololo are both just 24 years of age and remain relatively unknown prospects, who the Mariners will be hoping can step up and announce themselves quickly.
On paper, Montgomery’s squad appears to be one of the weakest in the competition but that was also arguably the case last season.
With the Mariners enjoying the biggest percentage rise in fan numbers of any club last season, they will have a reliable 12th man back in their corner and a lot could well come down to Montgomery replicating Stajcic’s ability to get the best out of the cards he’s dealt.
Should he struggle, the club's fairytale from last season could well quickly turn into a nightmare this campaign.
What type of coach will Nick Montgomery be?
England-born Montgomery made his name as a defensive midfielder, who played over 300 games for Sheffield United.
The now 40-year-old ended his playing career in Australia with the Mariners and Wollongong Wolves.
Montgomery would never really leave the Central Coast however as he set his sights on a coaching career from within their set-up.
From head of football and assistant coach to NYL head coach and A-League Men's coach, he has quickly gained plenty of experience and knows the club better than most.
In pre-season so far, the Mariners beat Macarthur 3-1, were defeated by both Western Sydney Wanderers and Wellington Phoenix before claiming a surprise 3-0 win over Sydney FC.
Considering the squad he's assembled, Montgomery will likely favour a defensive set-up with the club's midfield strengths allowing them to spring effectively on the counter.
Will the next Kuol stand up?
Alou Kuol took the A-League Men by storm last season and earned a move to German giants Stuttgart in the process - where he's wasted no time impressing.
While he’s left some big shoes to fill, the Mariners do boast his younger brother Garang among its youth ranks with the teenager showing early signs he could be just as good as his sibling.
Garangs Kuol - first goal on Mariners Seniors Academy team debut! #KUOLITY #ccmariners #aleague pic.twitter.com/y6TiofqPns
— Kuol 🇸🇸 (@kuoloneking) February 17, 2021
Much like his brother last year, Garang will no doubt be eager to step up when and if given the chance this season and is one name to keep an eye out for.
Central Coast Mariners 2021-22 quick facts
New signings: Nicolai Muller, Noah Smith, Cy Goddard, Beni Nkololo, Storm Roux, Yaren Sozer, Matheus Rodrigues
Last season: 3rd
Predicted finish this season: 10th
Key player: Oliver Bozanic