Issue 13 | Round 25 | Saturday 29 March 2014 | Central Coast Mariners FC v Western Sydney Wanderers FC | Central Coast Stadium, Gosford | Kick-off: 5:30pm | #CCMvWSW + #ThanksMile

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The Loose CannonB The Mile Sterjovski Tribute Edition A

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He’s enjoyed a professional playing career spanning some 19 years, but today, Mile Sterjovski will turn out for his final regular season home match in the Hyundai A-League.

Mile’s journey with both club and country has taken him around the globe countless times, and while he’s scaled the lofty heights of the FIFA World Cup, UEFA Champions League, Europa League and AFC Champions League, it is testament to the man that he’s never forgotten, nor neglected, his roots. Indeed, you’d be hard pressed to find anyone with a bad word to say about the “boy from the ‘Gong”, and, put simply, Mile ought to go down in Australian football history not only as a member of its Golden Generation, but as one of its best blokes.

Here’s what just a few of the people who love Mile have to say about the attacker who, even at 34, still possesses the skills and smarts to rattle defenders many years his junior! From everyone at the Mariners, Sterj, thanks for two great seasons and good luck and good

fortune in your retirement! @BennyONeill

Sharon Sterjovski Wife

“Our football life has been nothing short of a crazy roller coaster ride but one that we have come out of with a lifetime of memories. I have seen what you have done for your career, celebrated your achieve-ments with you, and felt for you in the tougher times. You chased the goals you set for yourself with determination, but never forgetting your integrity.

You deserve your success and I am proud of you not only as a player, but also as a person and mostly...as my husband. Mile, thank you for taking me on this journey with you, I will miss

seeing ‘the best legs in football’ run onto the field.”

Luka, Sonny & Lilly Sterjovski Children Daddy, we have travelled to lots of places to see you play and to us, there is no better player than you. We will miss seeing you play and we are very proud of you. It’s the best thing in the world to have you as a dad. You are more than just a normal dad, you are the best dad ever. We hope that we can be just like you when we grow up. Love Luka, Sonny and Lilly.”

Phil Moss Current Coach - Central Coast Mariners “For so long Mile Sterjovski has been a key player in Australian football, but at some point in every career the curtain must come down. In true Mile fashion, he decided to draw a close on his playing days on his terms, announcing his retirement for the end of this season earlier this year with a simple post on Twitter. For a player who has achieved so much, it is

testament that he made the decision to hang up his boots in such an understated fashion – but that there tells you what sort of a man Mile is.

Mile – thank you for your professionalism on and off the pitch over the past two years with us. You’ve been a key man for us since mid 2012, and the players and staff both in the football department and in the office think the world of you. We hope we can help you – and you can

help us – go out with one last bang!”

Graham Arnold Former Coach - Socceroos & Central Coast Mariners

“What a career, what a player, what a great pro and what a great guy! One of my all time favorite Socceroos. One that every time he played he might not of got the headlines, but I can’t ever recall him letting his team

mates or country down. That was the most important thing to Mile.

After a player of his calibre had achieved what he had on a personal level, at his age coming to the Mariners may have been called a risk. For me he was a great signing not only for the team, but for all the youngsters to see and learn what it takes to be a great pro. Mile is a real positive influence in the dressing room and he’s had a big influence on the group.

Mile, thanks for your efforts, thanks for the good times and memories. Now it’s time for a new chapter in your life and let’s hope that you are not lost to football and especially to the Mariners.

Congratulations and good luck in your last regular season match at Central Coast Stadium. Make that cannon go off!”

Frank Farina Former Coach – Socceroos

“Mile was a fantastic professional and a great guy both on and off the field. He’s the type of player you always wanted in your team and I always found him a pleasure to work with during my time with the national set up. He’s been a great servant for football in this country and he deserves all the praise he has received. I’m pleased for how his career has panned out and I wish him all the best in his future endeavours.”

Ray Gatt Journalist at The Australian

“Mile Sterjovski epitomises all that is good about our wonderful game. He has been a fantastic servant to club and international football both on and off the field and his contribution is immeasur-able. Mile is one of the true gentlemen of the code in this country and I can think of no better role model for the kids who play the game. It says a lot when you don’t hear a single, bad word spoken about him. He deserves every accolade that comes his way and it is pleasing to know he will still contribute to the sport through his coaching schools. All the best for the future, Mile!”

Mat Ryan Former team mate at Central Coast Mariners

“It was an absolute privilege and pleasure to have been able to have played alongside Mile. So much so that I know I have met a life-long friend in him. Behind the great footballer the world and Australia has come to know and love is an even better man of the utmost integrity. Mile is always willing to help others and put other people’s problems before his own. Still to this day I feel so much joy in watching him play, combining with some of my best

mates to either set them up or bang it in himself. As the curtain draws near on your illustrious career I just want to say a massive congratulations on all the success and achievements over

the years. Also thank you for all the memories, advice and success you have given me. I look forward to sharing my football experience with you for years to come. Good luck with the remainder of the season. Your story deserves a happy ending!”

Michel Seydoux Chairman and CEO of LOSC Lille

“When I took over the presidency of LOSC in 2002, Mile was already part of the team. I remember him as an important player of LOSC - of a team that was able to surpass and outperform to reach competitive goals that we did not imagine at that time. Still today, no supporter of Lille has forgotten his great double scored against Paris Saint-Germain

(2-0, 13/12/2000). I also know that Mile is attached to France and the city of Lille. Let me issue him with an invitation to attend one of our games at Stade

Pierre Mauroy.”

Grégory Wimbée Former team mate at LOSC Lille

“I am very happy and proud to have been part of the same adventure as Mile with LOSC. We lived such great moments. I remember him as a nice guy, easy going and smiling. He was very popular within the squad. I think it is impossible to get angry with Mile. On the pitch, he was a disciplined player, technical and excellent in front of the goal. As a goalkeeper, I’m in a good position to know that! A memory? His fantastic headed goal against Paris Saint-Germain, for the coach Vahid

Halihodzic’s very last game (1-0, 04/05/02). I will not fail to greet him on Twitter and hope to see him soon in Lille.”

Aurélien Delespierre Brand & Communication Director at LOSC Lille

“I first liked Mile as a LOSC Lille fan, before joining myself the club a year after him. Quickly, we hung out in the same neighbor-hood called “Vieux Lille”, at the same places and with the same bunch of friends, especially as we are from the same generation. I remember those moments spent at Café Oz, a small part of Australia where the English-speaking community of Lille meets. Beyond the great player he was for LOSC, Mile is, before everything, a simple, genuine guy and with whom I have always been happy

to keep in touch with. At the time of hanging up his boots, I want to congratulate him for his whole career, and wish him well in his future endeavors.”

Wollongong Wolves 1995-1997

Makes National Soccer League (NSL) debut as teenager and a handful appearances for the Wolves while honing craft at the Australian Institute of Sport.

Sydney United 1997-1999

Wins National Soccer League U21 Player of the Year (98/99) & NSL Golden Boot (98/99) Awards while with Sydney United. Wins 1999 NSL Minor Premiership.

Parramatta Power 1999-2000

Averages a goal every three games during his time at Power to earn a move to Europe.

LOSC Lille 2000-2004

Makes Socceroos debut early in LOSC Lille career. Plays in UEFA Champions League & UEFA Cup (now Europa League). Represents Socceroos at 2001 Confederations Cup.

FC Basel 2004-2007

Wins 2004/05 Swiss Super League Title. Plays in UEFA Champions League and UEFA Cup (now Europa League). Represents Australia at 2006 FIFA World Cup, playing against Brazil, Croatia and Italy. Wins 2007 Swiss Cup.

Gençlerbirligi OFTAS 2007-2008

Scores on debut against perennial Turkish heavyweights Fenerbahçe. Continues to represent the Socceroos on the international stage.

Derby County 2008-2009

Makes English Premier League debut against Tottenham Hotspur. Plays in semi-final first leg of League Cup against Manchester United (1-0 win).

Perth Glory 2009-2012

Wins Perth Glory’s Golden Boot Award for 2009/10 season. Plays final match for the Socceroos in 1-0 win over Indonesia in Brisbane, helping Australia secure qualification to the 2011 AFC Asian Cup Finals.

Dalian Aerbin 2012

Heads to the land of the dragon for a brief spell in the Chinese Super League.

Central Coast Mariners 2012-2014

Wins 2013 Hyundai A-League Championship. Helps Mariners qualify for 2013 AFC Champions League knockout phase. Scores twice in famous win over Japan’s Sanfrecce Hiroshima in 2014 AFC Champions League.

MILE STERJOVSKI: A CAREER TO REMEMBER

2 GAMES FOR JUST $25

WED 16 APRv

TUE 1 APRv

go to ccmariners.com.au for details

In six Hyundai A-League matches between

Mariners and Wanderers, both teams have won

twice while there have been two draws.

Tomi Juric (Western Sydney Wanderers) has

scored in successive appearances against Central

Coast Mariners in the Hyundai A-League.

Bernie Ibini has scored in his last two Hyundai

A-League matches. Will he make it three today?

Central Coast Mariners have drawn just one match

in their last nine at home (W6 L2).

Western Sydney Wanderers have managed

just one win in their last six on the road in the

Hyundai A-League (D2 L3).

Western Sydney Wanderers have registered more

clean sheets than any other side this season (10).

FROM THE DUGOUT

Next Home Match | AFC Champions League Matchday 4 | Tuesday 1 April 2014 | Central Coast Mariners FC v Beijing Guoan (China) | Central Coast Stadium, Gosford | Kick-off: 7:30pm | www.ticketek.com.au

CCMFANS.net STATS ZONE

HEAD TO

HEAD

Games CCM wins Draws WSW wins CCM goals WSW goals

overall: 6 2 2 2 5 4

at Bluetongue: 2 0 1 1 1 2

Average goals scored per game: 1.50

V

LADDER going into Round 25Please note: Standings are correct at time of publication but may vary by game day

Pos Club GP W D L GD Pts

1 Brisbane Roar 24 15 3 6 19 48

2 Western Sydney Wanderers 24 10 8 6 5 38

3 Melbourne Victory 24 10 6 8 -4 36

4 Central Coast Mariners 24 10 6 8 -4 36

5 Adelaide United 24 9 7 8 10 34

6 Newcastle Jets 24 9 5 10 -1 32

7 Sydney FC 24 10 2 12 -2 32

8 Wellington Phoenix 24 7 7 10 -8 28

9 Melbourne Heart 24 6 7 11 -4 25

10 Perth Glory 24 5 7 12 -11 22

Next A-League Match (Away) | Round 26 | Saturday 5 April 2014 | Perth Glory v Central Coast Mariners FC | nib Stadium, Perth | Kick-off: 9:30pm (AEST) | www.ticketek.com.au

# Name Twitter handle S B N

1 Justin Pasfield (Gk) @JuzzoPas

3 Joshua Rose @Josh_Rose3

4 Marcel Seip @MarcelSeip82

5 Zachary Anderson @ZacAnderson4

6 Brent Griffiths @Brent_Griff

7 John Hutchinson (C)

8 Nick Montgomery

9 Mitchell Duke @MitchDuke8

10 Marcos Flores @MarcosFlores85

11 Nick Fitzgerald @Fitzy_29

12 Liam Reddy (Gk)

13 Hayden Morton @Hayd94

15 Storm Roux @Storm_Roux

17 Anthony Caceres @ACaceres17

18 Michael Neill

19 Matthew Simon

20 Bernie Ibini-Isei @BernieIbini

21 Mile Sterjovski @MSterjovski

22 Tom Slater

23 Adam Kwasnik @Kwas23

24 Jesse Curran

25 Eddy Bosnar

26 Kim Seung-yong

27 Isaka Cernak

28 Glen Trifiro @Futboltec

29 Matt Sim @MattSim11

GOALSMariners Head Coach: Phil Moss

# Name S B N

1 Ante Covic (Gk)

2 Shannon Cole

3 Adam D’Apuzzo

4 Nikolai Topor-Stanley

5 Michael Beauchamp (C)

6 Jerome Polenz

7 Labinot Haliti

8 Mateo Poljak

9 Tomi Juric

10 Aaron Mooy

11 Brendon Santalab

12 Tahj Minniecon

13 Matthew Spiranovic

14 Kwabena Appiah-Kubi

15 Yianni Perkatis

16 Joshua Barresi

17 Youssouf Hersi

18 lacopo La Rocca

19 Mark Bridge

20 Jerrad Tyson (Gk)

21 Shinji Ono

22 Dean Heffernan

23 Jason Trifiro

33 Daniel Mullen

34 Golgol Mebrahtu

35 Antony Golec

GOALSWanderers Head Coach: Tony Popovic

CHALLENGE GERRIT!

GERRIT STOENNER v EMMA DYCE

Round 25 Fixtures Gerrit Emma

Brisbane Roar v Melbourne Heart Roar Roar

Central Coast Mariners v Western Sydney Wanderers Mariners Draw

Melbourne Victory v Sydney FC Victory Victory

Wellington Phoenix v Adelaide United Adelaide Phoenix

Perth Glory v Newcastle Jets Draw Perth

ADVE

RTISE

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Shop 1/9 Williams Court, Gosford – 4323 6669

Shop 2/12 Kurrawyba Ave, Terrigal – 4385 3627

Shop 7/1 Pioneer Ave, Tuggerah – 4351 0834

w w w . b o d y f u e l . c o m . a u

ON TOUR IN BEIJINGLast week the boys were in Beijing, China, working to spread the Mariners gospel to football fans in the Middle Kingdom. While the courageous 2-1 defeat to Gregorio Manzano’s men wasn’t the result Phil Moss’s men were after, the players did themselves, the Club, their fans, and the Hyundai A-League proud infront of over 32,000 hostile fans. Here are a few snaps from the Club’s trip to the Chinese capital, and don’t forget that we’ll need your support to help turn the tables on the ‘Imperial Guard’ on Tuesday 1 April (NEXT WEEK!) when we host Guoan in Gosford! Be at the match to help us strengthen our prospects of advancing to the knockout phase of Asia’s top club competition for a second time!

While in Beijing, the Mariners announced a fresh partnership with Tibet 5100 Spring Water. Defenders Brent Griffiths & Storm Roux modelled the kits in the Chinese capital.

Korean combo: Kim Seung-yong catches up with his old mate Ha Dae-sung before the match.

News of Glen Trifiro’s #F3DERBY sealing goal

made its way to Beijing.

Transfer Rumour: Matt Simon to the Chicago Bulls. “The pancakes will be reddy soon boys!”

Even on Monday, Kim Seung-yong and Brent Griffiths

were still ecstatic with our #F3DERBY win over the Jets