Alou Kuol is confident the Central Coast can capture a A-League Men double, lavishing praise on Mark Jackson after leading Mariners to their first premiership in over a decade.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
A former youth coach at Leeds United, Jackson was signed as a relative unknown to ALM supporters when he was unveiled as Nick Montgomery's replacement on the eve of the season.
And while his tenure got off to a rocky start, Jackson was the toast of Gosford on Wednesday after the Mariners beat Adelaide 2-0 to finish top of the table.
It's the first time the club has managed to lift the premiers' plate since 2012.
Along with their AFC Cup exploits, Kuol says the Mariners are refusing to downplay the potential chance to finish May with an ALM championship to go with their premiership.
"Anything is possible and the boys, the belief, we can get a result out of anything," Kuol told AAP.
"I'm really looking forward to the next few games.
"We can play any style of football and if we play our way we can beat anyone.
"His (Jackson's) style of football is about making sure everyone buys into his ideas and that's why we're doing so well,"
The Mariners have been neck and neck with the Wellington Phoenix and only clinched the premiership after goals from Jacob Farrell and Max Balard secured their win on Wednesday.
The Englishman stressed how much he has enjoyed the running battle with the Phoenix, warning they will pose a stern test for any side they face in the finals
"They were top of the league for a long time so all credit to them," Jackson said.
"They've got a new manager in there and he's done an extremely good job.
"When they came to our place it was a terrific game, 0-0 at their place and every time we've asked a question they have answered it.
"We've gone toe to toe and I'm sure they'll be ready to go in the finals."
Australian Associated Press
