The Central Coast Mariners never labelled themselves a glamour club of the A-league, they've quietly strived towards it since day one.

They are however very open about their ambitions, and want to make their region a center of Australia's football universe. Today they took a big step in the right direction.

John Aloisi is the best player signed to the A-league so far (at 31, much younger than Dwight Yorke or Juninho), and by his own reckoning, is still capable of playing at a very high level.

He's signed for the rest of this season, and is keen on playing against Sydney FC this weekend.

The game is a replay of the 2006 grand final. Sydney came out on top then, but fortunes have turned since.

Sydney yesterday sacked Branko Culina, just six months into his two year deal. It's the third time they've torn up a coaching contract in as many seasons.

Patience is obviously not in huge supply as far as the board (which has had a few changes itself) is concerned - and whoever steps in can probably count on having 12 games in charge before being paid out.

On the plus side, Sydney will have it's own debutant on Sunday. Former England under 21 striker Michael Bridges, who will add much needed fire power to the league's sixth placed team.

But chances are, even Sydney fans will be keen to watch Aloisi in action. He says the Central Coast is the most organised team in the league, and believes he can help them win the title.

He is a proven goal-scorer, and says there's extra pressure on him to perform now his dad will be able to watch him week in and week out.

The last time Aloisi played in Australia, he came on as a fifteen year-old substitute for Adelaide City. Now he's back as the only Australian to have played in the world's top three leagues - England, Italy and Spain.

And he's hungry for success. Watch out Clint Bolton.

ninemsn