Signings news: Harold joins Mariners from Glory

Chris Harold is looking to hit the ground running with Central Coast Mariners after signing with Alen Stajcic’s side for the remainder of the Hyundai A-League 2019/20 season.

Harold’s move to Gosford comes after former club Perth Glory announced they had agreed to a mutual termination of the forward’s contract earlier on Friday.

The 27-year-old joined Glory in 2012 and this year became the club’s record Hyundai A-League appearances-holder when he played his 143rd game for his hometown club.

However, Harold struggled for game time under Tony Popovic with just four Hyundai A-League appearances in the past two seasons.

PREVIEW: Central Coast Mariners v Western Sydney Wanderers
NEWS: Mariners confirm Gallifuoco departure

He opened his goal scoring account for Glory on his starting debut against Newcastle Jets and went on to find the net a further 22 times, with seven of those goals coming in the 2015-16 campaign.

The former Australian youth international joined the Glory from Gold Coast United, where he made 25 appearances, and said he is looking forward to getting started with the Mariners.

“I’m very much invigorated by the prospect of joining a new club, and what the Mariners and Alen Stajcic are looking to do excites me,” Harold said.

“It’s been a frustrating period for me recently at Perth, and I hope that I can make a big, positive impact for the rest of the season with the Mariners.

“Things changed for me at the Glory, so it was about looking for a new challenge and a new opportunity, and Alen approached me and told me he wanted me as a part of what the Mariners are doing moving forward.”

“It’s great to have a coach come to me and really show me that he wants me onboard, and I believe I can make a difference here.”

MORE: Teague departs for Europe as Sydney FC receive bumper fee
MORE: Toure’s season in jeopardy after breaking foot

Harold also thanked the Glory supporters for the support he received during his time in the Western Australia capital.

“To Perth Glory Football Club and it’s wonderful fans,” he said, “I have decided to move on to a fresh challenge.

“It saddens me to think that I am leaving the club where I have spent so long.

“Glory has been a massive part of my life, not just in a football sense and the support that I have received along the way has been terrific and has not gone unnoticed.”

We've signed experienced forward Chris Harold for the rest of the Hyundai A-League season! #WelcomeChris #CCMFC
Read ?? https://t.co/QjHZiZhTv4 pic.twitter.com/g59evz0wBW

— Central Coast Mariners (@CCMariners) January 31, 2020

Mariners Head Coach Alen Stajcic said Harold was an exciting signing, and a player who can make a difference at the Mariners – who currently sit tenth on Hyundai A-League table.

“We’re very happy to welcome Chris aboard, it’s great to have a forward of his calibre and experience joining us here on the Central Coast,” Stajcic said.

“I’ve had some great conversations with Chris about him coming to the Mariners, and we’re all looking forward to him arriving at the club and starting training next week.”