Top Australian outfit Central Coast Mariners have begun their pre-season campaign with manager Lawrie McKinna armed with additional information, thanks to Sheffield United.

The Blades and the Mariners have signed a link-up agreement and as part of the deal McKinna spent time at Bramall Lane and Shirecliffe. He particularly hopes to implement some of the strategies used at United's Academy to improve the youth policy in Australia.

"I spent two days at the Academy, talking to the coaches and looking at the set-up and facilities - it's been great, a worthwhile experience," saw McKinna, a former team-mate of ex-Blades Ian Bryson.

"The A-League is only three years old and we don't have a sufficient youth structure yet, but we are looking at how the kids are brought through here."

The Mariners are blessed with some excellent prospects and McKinna feels developing the technical side of their game is vital if they are to play in Europe:

"The young lads at Sheffield United are so comfortable on the ball and the skill level is outstanding. We have some very promising kids back home and if we integrate some of the technique that is demonstrated here, then most of them have the ability to play at the highest level."

McKinna thoroughly enjoyed his stay with the Blades and was full of praise for the way he was treated for the duration of his visit:

"The warmth of the club and the friendly atmosphere around the place was unbelievable, everybody was so helpful."

The Central Coast Mariners were Australian Premiership last season and came close to doing the double but lost out to the Newcastle Jets in the Grand Final. For the 2008-09 campaign they have already made a made a couple of acquisitions, including Socceroos international Ahmad Elrich and Dylan Macallister, who has just returned to Australia after four years of Norwegian football.