Football Federation Australia chief executive Ben Buckley has congratulated Central Coast Mariners on their 2011/12 A-League Premiers Plate success.
The Mariners produced a 2-1 win at Wellington Phoenix on the weekend to clinch their second minor premiership, following on from the 2007/08 triumph.
Buckley was full of praise for the job done by the Mariners and in particular was complimentary of head coach Graham Arnold who led the side to last season's Grand Final where they were beaten by Brisbane Roar.
"The Mariners have successfully put the Central Coast region on the map not only in Australia but in Asia and internationally and continue to punch above their weight with a fantastic Club culture and a passionate and active fan base.
"Credit must go to Graham Arnold for building a wonderful team that has helped take the Hyundai A-League to new heights over the past two seasons and we look forward to their contribution in the Hyundai A-League 2012 Finals Series.
"I am sure I echo the views of the entire football community in anticipation for what is sure to be one of the most competitive and exhilarating Hyundai A-League Finals Series to date.""The Central Coast Mariners have shown what a Club can achieve by building a strong team and embracing the community in which they live and work," said Buckley.
