Central Coast Mariners have announced reigning Johnny Warren Medallist and Gosford favourite Josh Nisbet will leave the Isuzu UTE A-League champions at the conclusion of his contract.
Nisbet departs the Mariners to “pursue overseas footballing opportunities” after winning an historic treble with Central Coast last season.
The Mariners said they tried to retain the Socceroos midfielder on an “upgraded new deal” but granted the wish of the Central Coast star, who was crowned the competition’s Johnny Warren Medallist after winning the 2023-24 Isuzu UTE A-League Premiership/Championship double as well as the AFC Cup.
Seven years on from his Mariners debut, Nisbet departs a “club legend” after winning four trophies – including back-to-back A-Leagues Championships, across 145 appearances.
“The time has come to explore opportunities overseas and bid farewell to this amazing club and region. Over the past seven years, I’ve had the pleasure to create memories with you all that will forever be cherished,” said the 25-year-old, who won the Mariners Medal in 2022-23.
“To my coaches, teammates, and backroom staff, I’d like to take this moment to thank you for the friendships and development over the years. We’ve achieved some remarkable accomplishments which can never be taken away.
“To the loyal fans who have never once doubted me since my debut, this club is incredible, but the support and love this community shows for the Mariners is what makes it so special. We are a family bonded together to achieve inspirational things. Thank you, Coasties.”
Nisbet relocated from Queensland to join the Central Coast Mariners’ academy in 2017.
He debuted in an Australia Cup clash with Adelaide United in August 2018, before playing his first A-Leagues match in an F3 Derby with Newcastle Jets in January 2019.
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Nisbet’s 145 matches for the Mariners ranks ninth on the club’s all-time list, with 124 of those coming in the A-Leagues.
As a result of his form with the Mariners, Nisbet earned his first Socceroos cap in a FIFA Men’s World Cup qualifier against Lebanon in March.
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“We would like to thank Nizzy for his immense contribution to what we achieved last season. He was a massive part of the team with his performances and commitment both on and off the field,” said Central Coast head coach Mark Jackson.
“Since joining the Mariners Academy in 2017, his service to the club has been second to
none, and we thank him for that.
“While we are disappointed to not be able to work with him next season, and as a club we tried to keep him, we know that he has a really strong ambition to play overseas, and we respect that.
“Everyone at the club wishes him the best for the future, we know that he will go from strength to strength, and I look forward to watching his career and where it goes when he moves overseas.”
Nisbet joins Ronald Barcellos (end of loan), Jing Reec (end of loan), Dan Hall, Max Balard and Danny Vukovic (retired) in leaving the Mariners.
