Ladies, he’s back – arguably the most exciting feature of the Mariners’ 2007/08 season is the return of the man affectionately known as 'The Heff'.

For Dean Heffernan himself, who has recently returned from a stint in Germany with Bundesliga side 1. FC Nürnberg, it is all down to the business of winning the 2007/08 Hyundai A-League championship in the yellow and navy.

In his last appearance for the Mariners at their idyllic bay-side home in Gosford, a far cry from the grey weather in Germany, Heffernan was the man who scored the famous goal in the 2005/06 Minor Semi-Final second leg against northern rivals the Newcastle Jets – sending the Mariners into the inaugural Hyundai A-League Preliminary Final.

The return of Heffernan to the Mariners has been seen as a massive coup for the Central Coast, but for the 27-year-old, it’s all about his team mates, who he shares a special relationship with, carried over from when he was part of the very successful inaugural season.

"It’s great to be back, getting into old routines and habits," said Heffernan.

"Hanging out with the boys and the banter in the change rooms, it’s great!

"We have always had a good squad here, I think we have a lot of potential, we have players all over the park that can score goals, especially with Nik Mrdja and Sasho Petrovski."

Mariners Football Manager Lawrie McKinna has no doubts about why Heffernan returned, with the sunny Central Coast beaches not quite the same as the Arctic North Sea.

And being a potential Socceroos prospect, playing in the Hyundai A-League is increasingly becoming the place to be noticed for national selection.

McKinna now has one of the strongest defensive line-ups in the Hyundai A-League, with several experienced and talented players to choose from.

So far he likes what he sees from Heffernan, even though the left fullback has missed some training through illness.

"Dean is in for a big season and we are looking for a big season off him, he has trained really strongly and he is happy to be back," said McKinna.

"Since he came back, he has missed a fair bit of training, but he played the first half against Belconnen and he did great.

"It’s been a while since Dean had a smile on his face at training, because people who go overseas and play for other clubs, but not get any game time, it’s a hard shift for them.

"You’re away from home and you’re away from friends and family and the whether is not quite the same as it is here.

"They have a shortage of left backs in the Socceroos and I’m sure the Australian Coach Graham Arnold will be looking at him after the Asian Cup."

The Mariners’ open their 2007 Pre-Season Cup campaign at Bluetongue Central Coast Stadium this Saturday, 14 July, against Hyundai A-League newcomers the Wellington Phoenix. Kick off is at 6pm, gates open at 5pm. Admission is free of charge, with all spectators encouraged to donate to local charity Give Me 5 For Kids at the gate.

Mariners Memberships for the Hyundai A-League 2007/08 season are now available for purchase online at http://www.ccmariners.com.au, or from Rebel Sports outlets at Erina and Tuggerah.