Central Coast Mariners have pulled off an impressive transfer coup with the signature of English forward Jade Pennock on loan from Birmingham City ahead of the 2024-25 Ninja A-League Women season.
The 31-year-old forward has enjoyed a brilliant career in English club football. A graduate of Leeds United’s academy, Pennock played college football in the United States before returning to the UK, first at Harrogate Town then Doncaster Belles before joining Sheffield United in 2018.
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Pennock spent three years at the Blades and in her first season, won the club’s Player of the Year, Players’ Player of the Year and Manager’s Player of the Year awards. Then came a move to Birmingham City where in 2022-23, Pennock scored 14 goals in all competitions and was named the Women’s Championship Player of the Season.
“I’m so excited to be joining the Mariners for this season,” said Pennock after the loan move was finalised.
“It is a move that we have been working on for a while, so to officially be a Mariner is incredible.
“As soon as I spoke to Emily and she described the family feel between the club and the local community, I knew that it was a project that I wanted to be a part of. I feel like my ambitions and values align perfectly with the club.
“I’m an aggressive forward who will always work hard for the team. I want to do everything this season to help the team challenge at the top of the table and have a strong finals run, trying to better last season’s results. I can’t wait to get started, meet our incredible fans and play in this amazing stadium.”
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Pennock is just the second new recruit confirmed at the Mariners this off-season, after the arrival of former Sydney FC midfielder Taylor Ray on the Central Coast. The Englishwoman’s signature is a pivotal one after star forwards Rola Badawiya, Kyah Simon and Wurigumula all left the club following the end of the 2023-24 season.
Husband says Pennock’s experience and varied skill set is what makes the 31-year-old a fantastic signing.
“We are very pleased to be able to get this deal completed to make Jade a Mariner,” Husband said. “She is someone who we have been keeping an eye on for a while, and to have her here on the Coast is brilliant. Jade has a lot of experience playing at a very high level for the majority of her career, which will be valuable to us as a team.
“She has fantastic energy and quality in the final third, is strong technically, and is a clinical finisher. Jade has all of the qualities to be a top player in this league and we can’t wait for her to get started.”
