The Central Coast Mariners have today announced the signing of goalkeeper Ben Kennedy for the Hyundai A-League 2017/18 season.
The 30-year-old Goalkeeper joins the Central Coast Mariners after nine seasons with the Newcastle Jets.
The Australian Youth International has signed a one-year-deal and will be known to Australian football fans for having over 100 appearances in the Hyundai A-League adding 25 clean sheets to his tally so far.
After a difficult season last year due to injury Kennedy is looking forward to a fresh start and after passing his medical with flying colours today he is excited to be part of the Yellow and Navy for the 2017/18 season.
“Coming back from injury it is great to get the body moving again and things feel really good,” Kennedy said.” It is a big move from Newcastle after spending 12 years up there but I am really excited to be here.
“I think the way the club is going is very positive, if you look at the football they played last year under Paolo you can see the club is just going to get better and better that’s a big reason why I am here,” Kennedy said.
Paul Okon indicated that there is more to come in the goalkeeping ranks for the roster and explained how strategic the signing of Kennedy was to the team he is building for this season.
“All along our plan was to have three quality goalkeepers that all offer something different. Ben brings experience having played over 100 A-League games and it is important for us to make sure there is a keeper with his quality, leadership and nature within the three,” Okon said.
“Ben joins Adam Pearce so that is two down and we are very well progressed for the third keeper that hopefully we get to announce soon. Having strong competition for spots is exactly what we must make sure happens for every position across the park.
“Once the squad is fully finalized I know that all the supporters will understand how important it is for the club to have a good mixture of youth and experience in all positions,” Okon said.