Australians are renowned for their ‘never say die attitude’ and the Central Coast Mariners may well reap the rewards of having such an attitude, although it could be costly.
The Mariners have moved into pole position should David Beckham opt to finish his career in Australia. What makes the Mariners option so attractive is the fact that they will be playing in the Asian Champions League at the end of this A League season. Beckham’s popularity in Asia knows no bounds and Brand Beckham, not that it needs any help, could flourish through such a venture. It would also mean that the Beckhams could live in Sydney and David could travel to Gosford on a daily basis for training.
Beckham would be required to finish this A league season with the Mariners, and could add the coup de grace to what is proving a very good season so far. It would also mean that media attention would be on the Mariners and could indeed help them squeeze more money out of the inevitable transfers of their young guns come the end of the season. Goalkeeper Mat Ryan, midfield playmaker Tom Rogic and defender Trent Sainsbury all being touted to head overseas come the end of the season. His inclusion will certainly have a more positive impact than when the Mariners signed former Australian striker John Aloisi; his inclusion saw the team’s structure change and results go against them, although the club still ended as Premiers that season. Beckham would slip into their current style of play fairly seamlessly.
Should he opt for the Mariners, Beckham will obviously come at a high price, but if the Mariners manage the situation properly they will be able to position themselves well and may find their investment more likely to turn a profit than rivals Sydney FC.
Certainly would be a dramatic change of scenery – Beverly Hills to Gosford