SMH article
Bozza poised for showdown with Sydney
Sebastian Hassett
July 23, 2008
THE Central Coast Mariners are on the verge of giving former Socceroos goalkeeper Mark Bosnich his first competitive outing since 2003 in what is shaping as a blockbuster pre-season cup match against Sydney FC in Gosford on Sunday.
One week into a trial with the Mariners, Bosnich has made a big impression with some authoritative performances in training, added to an intense fitness regime that has seen him shed weight in his bid to win a permanent deal.
Mariners coach Lawrie McKinna admitted the 36-year-old was a "50-50 chance" to be signed as a short-term replacement during Danny Vukovic's five-week suspension from round three.
"We've not spoken about timelines [for signing], but if he needs to wait, I'm sure he will," McKinna said yesterday. "If he does sign for those five games, I think it would not only be a great signing for some of the younger players, but for Central Coast as a club and for the A-League as a whole."
McKinna is keen to start Bosnich against Sydney, but will wait until Friday before making a final decision.
"I've been thinking that if he's up for it, I'm thinking we should just chuck him in [from the start]," McKinna said. "But it could be an option to play him for a half or bring him on during the second half. There'd be nothing better than him coming on in front of the Sydney fans and watching 'The Cove' absolutely give it to him. He'd grow six inches taller. He'd love it."
Seemingly a lost cause just over a year ago, Bosnich is said to have turned his life around and has worked to patch up relations with his family in addition to getting his body back into shape.
The improvement in the former Manchester United, Aston Villa and Chelsea star has made a big impression on McKinna, who has given Bosnich a huge tick of approval by extending the custodian's initial two-week trial indefinitely.
"He's fitted in so well, and that's not just PR speak," McKinna said. "He's got some order and presence about him and the boys respect him, plus he's working really hard.
"He's surprised our goalkeeping coach John Crawley with what he could still do. He needs a lot of work, but his reflexes are still very sharp. He'll probably never quite get back to his absolute best, but he's certainly got the attitude and the hunger. He's not going to leave wondering if he didn't give his all, and it sets a good example for the others to see Mark Bosnich busting his arse."
While "Bozza" is famous for his confidence, McKinna revealed that swagger had given way to a man seeking redemption.
"He told me when he arrived at Man United and then Chelsea, because he was at the top of his game, he had no nerves, but when he came to train with us last Thursday it was like turning up to primary school on his first day," McKinna said. "But he fitted in so well. By the second day, when he went in to get his towel out of his bag, it was cut into 20 different pieces. John Hutchinson saw to that. It made him feel right at home."
Defenders Dean Heffernan and Alex Wilkinson are in doubt for the match after copping knocks in the Mariners' 1-0 defeat against Wellington Phoenix in New Zealand last weekend, while Mile Jedinak will miss the clash with a groin injury. However, Ahmad Elrich, sidelined last week with an ankle injury, will play.
http://www.smh.com.au/news/football/bozza-poised-for-showdown-with-sydney/2008/07/22/1216492447370.html
