Simon Legg blogs on the Central Coast Mariners for BPL. Click here if you want to join our A-League blog network.

After five seasons of consistency it will be hard to imagine watching this Central Coast team without seeing Lawrie McKinna barking orders from the touchline. Since the inception of the A-League only one side has managed to retain their inaugural coach up to this point, that club being the Melbourne Victory.

Although the Mariners managed to come up short in two Grand Final appearances, McKinna's tenure will be remembered for its consistency and the ability to challenge the big clubs even though the clubs resources have been scarce.

Taking over from McKinna will be former Socceroos caretaker manager Graham Arnold. After a highly decorated playing career and a successful stint as coach of the Australian under 23's, Arnold will certainly bring about a new level of experience. Arnold has also brought along with him two new assistants in Tony Walmsley and Phil Moss.

The squad has also changed significantly from the side that took to the field last season. Up to 10 new faces have come across to the Mariners for the 2010/11 season, with Rostyn Griffiths and Daniel McBreen headlining the new arrivals. Both players were highly influential in North Queensland Fury's inaugural season.

Another new face that could grab the headlines is Argentinean playmaker Patricio Perez who was signed from Argentine Primera B side Defensa y Justicia. Perez had a successful junior career, representing his county at the under 17 and under 20 level alongside the likes of Pablo Zabaleta and Lionel Messi. Arnold has already stated that he expects the Argentine to bring back the fans to Bluetongue Stadium after a disappointing campaign last season.

The most pleasing aspect for Mariners fans is that the heart of the squad has been retained with Wilkinson, Bojic, Hutchinson, McGlinchey, Mrdja and Simon all expected to be there for the season opener against the Heart on August 5th at AAMI Park.

With the Victory, Sydney FC, Gold Coast and the Melbourne Heart all expected to challenge this season, the Central Coast will have to fight it out for one of the remaining finals spots. With the opportunity to play more expansive football under the new boss and a plethora of new faces being added to an already impressive squad, finals football has to be the goal for the team from Gosford.

In previous seasons, the Mariners have earned both praise and criticism for their well publicised long ball system. With renewed optimism due to the impressive additions to the squad and the new manager it is hoped that the Mariners will be able to excite the Bluetongue faithful!