The A-League’s worst team of recent seasons – and arguably Australian sport’s worst team of the last half-decade – is suddenly taking the competition by storm.
And that’s despite a shoestring budget, an owner desperately hoping to sell the franchise, and a history of off-field woes to match years of dismal fortunes on the park.
No wonder their coach is now being heralded as a miracle worker.
The Central Coast Mariners on Tuesday night claimed a stunning 2-1 away win over heavyweights Perth Glory, beating a side in record-breaking goalscoring form in one of the toughest road trips in the league.
The result sees the NSW side assert itself atop the A-League ladder, having won four from the last five games and seven from 10.
Here’s how coach Alen Stajcic revitalised one of the roughest gems in Australian sport.
THE POISONED CHALICE OF AUSSIE SPORT
The Mariners have claimed four of…
