Former Celt Michael McGlinchey suffered the cruellest of defeats as Central Coast Mariners lost out on penalties to Brisbane Roar in the grand final of the Hyundai A-League.
Central Coast Mariners were leading 2-0 going into the closing stages of extra-time but managed to lose two late goals forcing the match into a shoot-out.
Despite the heart-break of defeat Mariners boss Graham Arnold put on a brave face with his side earning a place in the Asian equivalent of the Champions League.
“I have to say I’m extremely proud of the boys,” the Mariners boss said. “You blokes sitting here tipped us to come ninth or 10th (at the start of the season) and we have just been beaten in a penalty shootout in a Grand Final.
“We claimed (an) Asian Champions League spot, so it’s been a hell of a good season, we were one kick away from winning the competition.
“What a fantastic game. What a fantastic spectacle for the A-League. The game has been crying out for something positive this year, and I think that was the most positive thing.”
McGlinchey has certainly made the most of his career since being released by Celtic in 2009 after one first team appearance as a substitute.
His slight build always worked against him but in the last twelve months he’s been to the World Cup Finals with New Zealand and established himself in the A-League.
Looking ahead to the final and back over the last twelve months he admitted: “It’s been an unbelievable time – I couldn’t have wished for any more. Leaving Celtic was hard but I’ve loved every minute of my career in Australia and this final will top it all off.
“The place is buzzing – the build-up has been brilliant and the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane will be packed.
“It’s the type of occasion you play football for and the hype has been unbelievable. Football isn’t the main sport in Australia but all the focus will be on us for one day.
“Being involved in the World Cup was amazing but following that with the run to the Grand Final has been a dream.
“By reaching the final we have also qualified for the Asian Champions League and that’s another massive bonus.
“We want to make a real impression in that tournament and it’s something we are all looking forward to.
“The European Champions League is known all over the world but the Asian version is of a high standard too.”
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