Arnold set to lead Central Coast in first outing

Australian national team assistant Graham Arnold is set to oversee his new team, Central Coast Mariners, in their first hit-out under his guidance.

The Mariners meet Adelaide United in a trial match at Hindmarsh Stadium today as the Reds prepare for next Wednesday’s Asian Champions League clash with Sanfrecce Hiroshima but it will be a good chance for Arnold to see his players in action first-hand.

“I wouldn’t say it’s my first game, it’s a training session," Arnold said. "It’s a good opportunity to have a look at some of the younger players, and to make my mind up on a few players for next season.

"The boys have been excellent since the season ended, I’ve trained them for another month to down-train them and their attitude has been fantastic, but I think they are looking forward to having a game of football instead of training.

“Aurelio (Vidmar) is a good friend of mine. He’s done a fantastic job down there in Adelaide and they’re doing well in the Champions League, but one of the problems for teams in the Champions League is keeping match fit out of season, but Aurelio knew that we trained on so he rang us for a game, so we will go down there and give them as good a game as we can.”