Central Coast say farewell to four after ACL exit

Central Coast Mariners have farewelled four players after exiting from the Asian Champions League.

Veteran Andre Gumprecht, defender Paul O’Grady, striker Greg Owens and midfielder Nick Rizzo have all been released by the Mariners in the wake of their poor performance in Asia.

Coach Lawrie McKinna said such things are bound to happen in this industry.

"It's always difficult to make these types of decisions," McKinna said. "But that is the nature of sport."

Mariners chairman Lyall Gorman added that the club were intent on strengthening their squad ahead of the upcoming A-League season.

"As is the case with every pre-season, we are exhaustively pursuing all avenues available to us to ensure that the line-up that takes the pitch at Bluetongue Stadium throughout next season is of the best possible quality," Gorman said.