THE future of the Mariners is almost assured, with an announcement expected within days that a Russian consortium has invested millions of dollars in the club.

With the Central Coast preparing for an Asian Champions League tie against Seongnam Ilhwa tomorrow night, and a blockbuster A-League semi-final return with Brisbane on Sunday, The Daily Telegraph understands that agreement has finally been reached on almost every aspect of the new investment.

Despite losing 2-0 to Brisbane on Saturday night in the first leg of the major semi-final, the Mariners remain bullish that they can overcome the deficit - a confidence that is now matched off the field.

According to sources familiar with the deal, the conclusion of which has dragged on for months, the cash-strapped minor premiers will get an injection of capital to secure the club's future and avoid the sale of further senior players.

It's unclear exactly what stake the new consortium, which has links to Russian club Spartak Moscow, will take. Mariners chairman Peter Turnbull was unavailable for comment yesterday.

Turnbull has long maintained that the Centre of Excellence being built at Tuggerah will eventually make the club self-financing thanks to the five-a-side complex and other facilities that will provide revenue streams.

However, there have been major cashflow shortages over the past year, some players have been paid late more than once, and key men Matt Simon and Rostyn Griffiths have been sold to Asian clubs to make ends meet.

But the impressive Tuggerah complex will see the main training field laid this week, and Turnbull will hope that confirmation of the new investment, when it comes, will convince coach Graham Arnold to reject the overtures of Sydney FC.

Arnold is adamant the semi-final against the Roar is alive, insisting that Brisbane will feel the pressure of defending a lead in the face of a partisan crowd.

Despite goalkeeper Mat Ryan saving an early penalty, the Mariners conceded goals to Henrique and Eric Paartalu to leave the Roar confident of an aggregate victory and hosting the grand final.

But Arnold said that "two goals will be plenty", backing his side to win on penalties if required and drawing confidence from their display at Suncorp Stadium.

"In footballing terms, that was our best performance against Brisbane ever," Arnold said. "In the past we have tended to play deep and park the bus, but this time I thought the standard of our football was very high.

"We frustrated them into making mistakes, especially in the second half, and we know as well as anyone that 2-0 is a very dangerous scoreline for the side winning. It can be very hard for them not to sit back at Bluetongue, whereas we have nothing to lose and we're at home. I just hope that there's a big crowd to drive the boys on."

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Originally published as Tide turns for Mariners