The Mariners remain open to appointing either a local or foreign coach, although their fifth coach won't be able to sign more than two players. The club released veteran left back Josh Rose on Friday, freeing up some salary cap and squad space, but the new Mariners boss will only be allowed to spend the permitted minimum of 87.5 per cent of the salary cap.

Despite the restrictions, Charlesworth denies the lack of flexibility will be a deterrent to applicants.

"That's the test for the coach isn't it?" Charlesworth said. "A coach who comes in and says I want this, I want that ... well that's probably not going to fit into the Mariners anyway. You're not going to have the budget to compete with other clubs by and large anyway, so, if you're the kind of coach that wants, wants and wants, it's probably not the right position.

"You've got to work with what you've got, so, if that's the existing squad, the existing budget, the conditions around fan engagement and community work, then the fit's not right. But I don't think it's going to be a huge problem, I think the squad is very competitive this year."

The Mariners made the sudden decision to sack the underperforming Walmsley deep into pre-season after a poor showing in the FFA Cup, as well as a major downturn in membership sales for the upcoming season.