Isuzu UTE A-League champions Central Coast Mariners have signed English striker Ryan Edmondson from the UK.
The 22-year-old former Leeds United forward makes the move to Gosford from English League One outfit Carlisle United.
It also means a reunion with Mariners boss Mark Jackson after the pair worked together in Leeds’ academy, while ex-coaches Danny Schofield and Andres Clavijo are also part of Central Coast’s staff.
During his time at Leeds, Edmondson was handed his first-team debut by Marcelo Bielsa two weeks before his 17th birthday in the 2017-18 EFL Championship and featured again the following season.
“I’m buzzing to be here; it was a lot of travel, but everything is done and I’m excited to be
here,” Edmondson said.
“I’ve known Jacko and Danny Schofield for a long time. Jacko was a massive part of my development coming through the Leeds United Academy.
“When he told me about the project over here, the identity of not just the team but the
community around the place, it spoke out to me and was something I’d love to be a part of.
“When I got the opportunity to do so, I couldn’t turn it down.”
Edmondson spent one-and-a-half seasons with Carlisle in England’s third tier, scoring five goals.
A former England Under-19 international, Edmondson helped Leeds’ U18 side – led by Jackson – win the Professional Development Northern League title.
He also stepped up to the club’s U23 team and flourished again, scoring 18 goals as the team won the 2018-19 Category 2 Professional Development League under Carlos Corberan and now Mariners assistant, Schofield.
In 2020-21, Edmondson spent time on loan at Scottish outfit Aberdeen, scoring two goals and experiencing UEFA Europa League qualifying.
He has also spent time with Northampton Town, Fleetwood Town and Port Vale in England.
“Every single footballer, every striker, wants goals and trophies,” said Edmondson.
“The lads are flying at the minute with 11 games unbeaten so I’m hoping to come in and get a lot of opportunities to play, score a lot of goals and win a lot of trophies.
“The lads and staff are so welcoming, the things that go on behind the scenes that people don’t see are a true testament to the club. They’ve made me feel a part of the family straight away.
“You don’t see many palm trees in the UK so that is a positive. Going out there [in that stadium] this morning took my breath away. It’s such an amazing stadium, I can’t wait to get out there in front of the fans and hopefully score some goals.”
Jackson, who last Brazilian star Marco Tulio to Japan, added: “I’m delighted to have Ryan on board with the team, he is a player that I have worked with before and know really well.
“I know what Ryan can bring to this team. I think he will add to the squad greatly and add
the competition that we need for places. I’m really excited to have him here with us on the
Coast.”
