Central Coast Mariners confirm that players asked to reveal phone records

The Central Coast Mariners have confirmed players, coaches and administrative staff have been asked to turn over their personal telephone records as part of an "internal inquiry" into alleged leaks from within the A-League club.

The Mariners, who have lodged a formal complaint to Football Federation Australia, say the information is "highly sensitive" and has the potential to impact the integrity of the competition.

It is understood the club is referring to specific tactical details which have been leaked to opposition teams.

In a statement issued today (Tuesday 17th November), the Mariners stressed it was a voluntary request - denying reports that players' phones were confiscated - and that the majority of those asked have complied.

Mariners Coach Tony Walmsley told AAP “we trust our players implicitly and the fight back against Wellington Phoenix and the performance by 10 men against the Newcastle Jets demonstrates how quickly the belief is growing.

"The staff and players are in great spirits and we are looking forward to taking on the champions (Melbourne Victory) on Thursday with a lot of positive intent."

Players who refused to comply with the request for phone records are understood to have complained to Professional Footballers Australia (PFA), who are watching the situation closely.

A PFA spokesperson explained "Professional Footballers Australia have been made aware of a request made by the Central Coast Mariners.

"The PFA's lawyers are currently working with the club to understand the nature of their request."

It is the latest controversy to hit the struggling Mariners, who recently severed ties with experienced defender Eddy Bosnar and are still trying to agree to terms on a release for banished goalkeeper Liam Reddy.

Reddy was relegated to training with the youth squad after he protested to coaching staff about their style of play, while club Chairman Mike Charlesworth recently claimed that attracting fans back to Central Coast Stadium through attacking play was his priority, not results.

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