Central Coast Mariners have announced the double signing of Australian attacker Tommy Oar and Scottish forward Ross McCormack.
Oar joins Mike Mulvey’s side on a two–year deal after terminating his contract with Cypriot outfit APOEL Nicosia earlier this month, while McCormack has agreed to a one-season loan deal from English Championship side Aston Villa.
READ: Why a more mature Tommy Oar can be a key cog for rebuilding Mariners
READ: How Ross McCormack can fire Central Coast back up the Hyundai A-League ladder
Both players arrive as a big coup for the rebuilding Gosford club and add significant firepower to Mike Mulvey’s revolution.
One month out from the start of the @ALeague season, our owner, Mike Charlesworth has some exciting news to share. Now we need you to believe, belong and become a member. #CCMFC #ALeague pic.twitter.com/sIzJoW9APT
— Central Coast Mariners (@CCMariners) September 19, 2018
This will be Oar’s third stint down under after making his Hyundai A-League debut as an exciting teenager with Brisbane Roar in 2008 and a short return with the Queensland club in 2016/17.
Speaking to the official Central Coast Mariners website, Oar said he was eager to re-launch his career on home soil.
“I feel like the Central Coast is somewhere that I can belong,” Oar said.
“Coming back now, I have a lot more experience than I ever have playing in the [Hyundai] A-League and I hope to be an influential figure in the team.
“I want to help the team to success. I know the Mariners have had a difficult couple of years but historically, the Mariners have experienced a lot of success and I believe that I can help put this team back up where they belong.”
Meanwhile, former Melbourne City forward McCormack returns down under from Aston Villa after struggling for match time with the Midlands Championship outfit this season.
McCormack boasts a prolific scoring record in the United Kingdom, where he featured for clubs such as Rangers, Motherwell, Cardiff City, Leeds United, Fulham and Aston Villa.
The Glasgow-born striker spoke about the desire to rediscover his love for football on the Central Coast.
“I’m really excited to get back to Australia,” McCormack said.
“The standard of football in Australia is a bit overlooked I think – everyone wants to play football the right way and I loved my time with Melbourne. When this chance came, I knew it was the right decision for me.
Welcome to the Mariners Family, Ross McCormack! Here's a taste of what Ross brings to the Central Coast… ?#WelcomeRoss ? https://t.co/nuzq8vFjJE#CCMFC #ALeague pic.twitter.com/IQWVkeyEBs
— Central Coast Mariners (@CCMariners) September 19, 2018
“When I arrived in Australia for the first time I wasn’t as fit as I would have liked, it was the first time I had moved overseas to be away from my family so coming in this time, I am in a better place and really believe that I will have an impact.
“I want to come to the Central Coast and belong, I really want to be a part of something. I want to work hard and put myself in the best position to help the team. That’s what will put a smile back on my face. The happier you are in football, it’s going to bring the best out in a player.
“We need to get the Mariners back up the table, where they belong. Where the Mariners finished last season will not be acceptable this season. We want to be finishing in the finals, give this season a real go and not take a backwards step against any team.”
