Central Coast Mariners have added more competition to their midfield ranks ahead of the upcoming Isuzu UTE A-League season with the signing of former Sydney FC midfielder Will Kennedy.
A product of the Sky Blues academy, Kennedy joins the Mariners on a one-year deal ahead of the 2025-26 season.
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The 20-year-old heads to Gosford with both Isuzu UTE A-League and AFC Champions League Two experience under his belt having made six first team appearances under Ufuk Talay during the 2024-25 campaign.
A midfielder by trade, Kennedy can also operate as both a left and right full-back and will add plenty of depth to head coach Mark Jackson’s squad.
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“The main thing that made me want to come to the Mariners is the opportunity to play A-League minutes and do it with a really good young team,” said Kennedy after inking his new contract.
“In my opinion, there is nothing more a footballer should want, if they’re not getting as many opportunities at another club, why would you not want to go to a great club like Central Coast Mariners to play your football.
“I knew Migzy [Miguel Di Pizio], Paully [Nathan Paull] and a few of the boys from Sydney. It’s such a young group so I feel like we all know of each other and I have played against some of the boys in the NPL.
He continued: “I’ve been here two days, and I haven’t had to worry about fitting in. Everyone has made it really easy, and been really outgoing and welcoming which has been really nice.
“The first session on the pitch was tough, but that’s why I’m here!”
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Renowned for his tough-tackling approach during his time with Sydney FC, the 20-year-old often drew comparisons to Manchester United great Roy Keane from staff at the Sky Blues academy and it’s something he relishes.
“I’ve seen that as well! Kelly Cross [Sydney FC Youth Technical Director] always used to say that to me,” laughed Kennedy when asked about the comparison.
“I guess it’s a mentality thing, that’s how I like to play. I like to win tackles, win duels and Jacko wants the team to be on the front foot and win every duel, that’s natural for me so that was really enticing.
“He also wants to be one of the best teams in the league on the ball.
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He added: “As soon as Jacko got in touch with me and told me about the way he wants to play, it’s aggressive but also controlled and that really suits my style.
“I love to not hesitate, be aggressive and defend on the front foot.”
The Mariners are looking to bounce back in season 2025-26 after a frustrating campaign last year saw them finish in 10th position.
Key to their chances of success this season will be the exciting crop of young talent currently plying their trade at polytec Stadium which includes the aforementioned Di Pizio and Paull as well as impressive young midfielders Haine Eames and Bailey Brandtman.
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“I know Jacko can not only give me more playing time but also make me a way better footballer,” Kennedy said.
“Hopefully I can prove I am good enough to get game time firstly, then you will see me always being on the front foot, always being aggressive, you’ll see me making repeated sprints to get up and down the pitch, and winning my one-on-one battles.
“I pride myself on not letting anyone beat me, I want to be solid but also provide an outlet going forward.”
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