Last season’s poor showing will lift Mariners – Hutchinson

John Hutchinson believes last season’s disappointing finish will help motivate the Central Coast Mariners this term.

The Gosford club were travelling well in the first half of last season before falling out of form and down the table causing them to miss finals and make some changes in the off-season.

Vice-captain Hutchinson is aware what occurred in 2009/10 and insists he and the other Mariners players are determined to put things right in the new season.

"The way we finished last year wasn't good enough, things fell apart," Hutchinson said.

“As players we have to take responsibility for that and make sure it doesn't happen again.

"We needed a bit of a freshen up and that's what has happened.

"We've got a new coach, new players and there's plenty of competition for spots."

Hutchinson and the Mariners take on new A-League Melbourne Heart tonight at AAMI Park in the first match of the 2010/11 season.