Malick Mane headed away from Mariners

The high the Central Coast Mariners were experiencing after fighting their way to a draw last Sunday is wearing off with the news that new recruit Malick Mane has requested to be released from his contract.

Citing personal and family issues relating to not settling in to Australia, the Senegalese striker will be hoping to sever ties with the club.

Despite some media reports suggesting he has already left, the Mariners have not yet agreed to terminate his contract.

Certainly, it will be a loss for coach Phil Moss, who must feel that he hasn’t untapped Mane’s potential.

Mane, in fits and starts, has managed to show the crowd glimpses of what he might be capable of, but has had a hard time converting chances into goals.

You might wonder, now, if the somewhat lackluster performances are a result of nerves or feeling uneasy in his new team.

Indeed, not one Mariner goal this season has come from Mane, who has been Moss’s striker of choice for almost every game.

Moss is most proud of his boys’ determination and has repeatedly said that it’s their attitude off the field, which will see them go far.

“We have played some very good football in patches in the first five weeks of the season, but today we demonstrated huge character and passion,” Moss said after playing Melbourne City.

It’s the character and passion that the Mariners will need as a team going forward, and perhaps the character that Mane did not have.

Whether he is released of his contract or not, Moss will have to start looking for a player to replace him; who will it be?

Perhaps he will put Hungarian utility Richard Vernes in his place, or midfielder Anthony Caceres.

Against Perth Glory, Isaca Cernak showed some great flair in front of goal, so he too could be another potential Mariners striker.


What do you think of Mane’s request to resign and who will take his place? Let us know on Twitter at @TheFootballSack!