Trent Sainsbury is back at Central Coast Mariners after the Subway Socceroos defender re-joined the Isuzu UTE A-League on a three-year deal following 10 years overseas.
Sainsbury returns to two-time reigning champions the Mariners, where the 58-time Australia international made his professional debut in 2010 and went on to win a Premiership and Championship before leaving Gosford for Europe in 2014.
The AFC Asian Cup-winning defender is back on the Coast following stints with Dutch giants PSV (2018-19) and PEC Zwolle (2014-16), Serie A powerhouse Inter (2017 – loan), China’s Jiangsu Suning (2016-18), Swiss outfit Grasshoppers (2018 – loan), Maccabi Haifa (2019-20) of Israel, Belgian top-flight team Kortrijk (2020-22) and Qatari club Al-Wakrah (2022-24).
Sainsbury – a Mariners Medallist in 2012-13 – spent the past two seasons at Al-Wakrah, where made 44 appearances across all competitions and scored two goals.
“I’m super excited to be returning to the Central Coast. Coming back here was always the option for me, a real full circle moment having made my professional debut for the club,” Sainsbury said.
“I spoke with Jacko (Mark Jackson) and Simmo (Matt Simon) and they gave me the feeling that this is the right place for me. What the team achieved last season was incredible, an amazing treble, and I can’t wait to add what I can to the club and squad.
“It’s going to be a huge season, and I’m ready to give everything to help the Mariners achieve more silverware.”
Sainsbury made his name on the coast, debuting in an F3 Derby against rivals Newcastle Jets in November 2010 during Graham Arnold’s tenure with the Mariners.
He was part of the Central Coast side that claimed the 2011-12 Isuzu UTE A-League Premiership before establishing himself in the starting XI as the Mariners secured their maiden Championship the following season.
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Prised to the Dutch Eredivisie by PEC Zwolle, Sainsbury won the KNVB Cup and Johan Crujiff Shield – both victories over giants Ajax.
At international level, the 32-year-old won the 2015 Asian Cup with Ange Postecoglou’s Socceroos following his man-of-the-match performance in the final against South Korea. He was also named in the Team of the Tournament.
Sainsbury, who made his international debut in 2014, was selected in the squad for the 2018 FIFA Men’s World Cup in Russia.
“We are absolutely delighted to get this signing over the line. We welcome Trent back to the club where it all began for him as a professional footballer,” said head coach Mark Jackson.
“He is someone who has played at the highest level, has vast experience in the game and is a real leader on the pitch. He is exactly what we need in the group.
“I’d like to thank Rich for his support in making this signing happen and Matt Simon who was instrumental as well. Trent is someone that I am sure everyone in the Mariners Family will be thrilled to see as a part of the team.”
Sainsbury is Central Coast’s latest signing after Lucas Mauragis, Haine Eames (scholarship contract), Sasha Kuzevski (promoted), Alfie McCalmont, Adam Pavlesic, Diesel Herrington, Vitor Feijao and Arthur De Lima (scholarship contract).
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