Peter Turnbull completes tenure with Central Coast Mariners

The Central Coast Mariners have confirmed that Peter Turnbull will conclude his time as Group General Manager of the Club today (29th November) following six successful seasons with the reigning Hyundai A-League Champions as an investor, Chairman, and chief of the Club's administration team.

Turnbull joined the Mariners in 2007 with the vision of transforming the Club into a highly successful sporting organisation, and creating a community hub in Tuggerah via the ambitious and ongoing Central Coast Mariners Centre of Excellence plan.

Since joining the Mariners Turnbull's financial and emotional investment has helped the Club enjoy not only success in Australia's top flight and the AFC Champions League, but complete phase one of the legacy-leaving, impressive Centre of Excellence development.

With credit to Turnbull's vision, the Mariners now have an established training base in Tuggerah, as well as a thriving community-focussed centre enabling football players of all ages to enjoy the sport at the impressive Soccer5s facility.

Turnbull said that he has enjoyed some of the happiest moments in his life over the past six years he has been involved with the Club.

He explained "it has been a thrilling ride to watch this Football Club become the Club of choice for all talented young players in the country.

"We have achieved so much, and it has been a privilege to provide opportunities to players of the calibre of Tom Rogic, Mathew Ryan, and Mustafa Amini, and others, as well as coaches like Graham Arnold and Phil Moss, who've built on the wonderful foundations that were initially set by Lawrie McKinna, Lyall Gorman, and John McKay.

"Our Football Club has shed the 'little Club' tag, and is now one of the dominant Football Clubs in the country. On the 'all time Hyundai A-League table', the Mariners proudly sit first infront of Brisbane Roar and Melbourne Victory.

"I still expect to be at every game, and will be cheering the lads on as they look to emulate the success we have regularly enjoyed. All of my family now either live or work on the Central Coast, and I know how important this Club is to the region. I'd like to urge everybody to get behind Mike (Charlesworth) and the Club as they look to continue the Mariners legacy."

Charlesworth thanked Turnbull for his exemplary service, passion, and investment into the Club, and noted the reasons behind his official departure, adding "this was only ever a temporary solution as Peter has substantial business interests elsewhere.

"He now has opportunities in his normal business which require his full-time attention.

"Peter has been instrumental in bringing about the changes we needed, and we owe a vote of thanks for his financial investment as well as his devotion to the Club.

"Peter leaves a legacy as an original founder of the Hyundai A-League. He and the Lowy family owned 25% each of Sydney FC in the early years, however he saw his preferred model of a community Club being establish on the Central Coast with the Mariners."

"Peter should always be remembered as the first outside investor in the Mariners, and as a man willing to commit his personal dollars in the game for the benefit of football in Australia."

Former Gosford Blue Tongue Stadium executive Tracy Southern will take on the position of acting General Manager until the end of the year, with the Club aiming to name a new Chief Executive in December, with the appointee expected to commence with the Club in January 2014.