Four Central Coast Mariners players were forced to train away from the rest of the team last week, prompting intervention from Professional Footballers Australia in the dying days of Mike Mulvey's reign as coach.

The Herald understands winger Connor Pain, back-up goalkeeper Adam Pearce and utility Josh Macdonald were separated from their teammates due to a perceived bad attitude and instructed to train at a different location and time to the remainder of the squad.

Banished: Connor Pain was told to train away from the main group last week. Credit:AAP

They were joined by Andrew Hoole, who had been banished by Mulvey for breaking a club-imposed drinking ban. Pain, Pearce and Macdonald were understood to be fuming and believed they had been sent away for no legitimate reason.

The PFA became involved on Thursday and the players were reinstated on Friday, although it was agreed they did not have to take part in the day's session and have since been welcomed back.