FFC Mariner
Well-Known Member
From Uncle Ruperts evil rag (Tele)
By David Davutovic
January 04, 2008 12:00am
CENTRAL Coast's title hopes have received a timely shot in the arm with polished left-back Alvin Ceccoli signing with the Mariners until the end of the finals campaign.
Ceccoli is a straight swap for Dean Heffernan, whose season was cruelly ended by a broken leg, and becomes just the second former Sydney FC player to join bitter rivals the Mariners, following striker Sasho Petrovski.
The 33-year-old left-back made the switch via a season-long stint with Pierre Littbarski's Japanese side Avispa Fukuoka - the same club former FC skipper Mark Rudan is joining.
Mariners coach Lawrie McKinna said the signing signalled the Mariners' title hopes were far from over.
"It will be a big lift to the squad, especially with the recent results, and it shows people we're keen to hold on to top spot," McKinna said.
"There are not many players who are available fit and of his quality.
"He's a winner, he's won championships and played about 34 games in Japan recently so he's coming in fit and experienced and that's what you need this time of season."
Ceccoli will take part in his first Mariners session today before travelling with the squad to Perth for Sunday's clash with Glory.
The Mariners signed Ceccoli on Wednesday but are awaiting a clearance from the Japanese Football Association.
Heffernan joined Nik Mrdja and Matthew Osman on the long- term injury list, although the silver lining is that Danny Vukovic, John Hutchinson, Greg Owens and Adam Kwasnik return for Sunday's clash.
By David Davutovic
January 04, 2008 12:00am
CENTRAL Coast's title hopes have received a timely shot in the arm with polished left-back Alvin Ceccoli signing with the Mariners until the end of the finals campaign.
Ceccoli is a straight swap for Dean Heffernan, whose season was cruelly ended by a broken leg, and becomes just the second former Sydney FC player to join bitter rivals the Mariners, following striker Sasho Petrovski.
The 33-year-old left-back made the switch via a season-long stint with Pierre Littbarski's Japanese side Avispa Fukuoka - the same club former FC skipper Mark Rudan is joining.
Mariners coach Lawrie McKinna said the signing signalled the Mariners' title hopes were far from over.
"It will be a big lift to the squad, especially with the recent results, and it shows people we're keen to hold on to top spot," McKinna said.
"There are not many players who are available fit and of his quality.
"He's a winner, he's won championships and played about 34 games in Japan recently so he's coming in fit and experienced and that's what you need this time of season."
Ceccoli will take part in his first Mariners session today before travelling with the squad to Perth for Sunday's clash with Glory.
The Mariners signed Ceccoli on Wednesday but are awaiting a clearance from the Japanese Football Association.
Heffernan joined Nik Mrdja and Matthew Osman on the long- term injury list, although the silver lining is that Danny Vukovic, John Hutchinson, Greg Owens and Adam Kwasnik return for Sunday's clash.
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