Central Coast Mariners have signed teenage defender Diesel Herrington to help fill the void left by Dan Hall’s departure to incoming Isuzu UTE A-League club Auckland FC.
Herrington joins the two-time reigning Isuzu UTE A-League champions on a two-year deal, a day after treble winners Central Coast announced the arrival of talented young Australian goalkeeper Adam Pavlesic.
The towering 19-year-old centre-back arrives from Danish Superliga side AGF, where he played for the club’s Under-19 side during his two years while he was also regularly involved in the first-team matchday squad.
LOCKED IN! Dates announced for 2024-25 A-Leagues season
UNITE ROUND LAUNCHED FOR 2024-25: Everything you need to know
UNITE ROUND 2024-25: What’s new this season?
FULL FIXTURE: Who your team is up against in Unite Round
Herrington transferred from Brisbane Roar in 2022, having spent the five previous years with the Isuzu UTE A-League outfit after joining at U14 level.
“Diesel is another exciting player that we have managed to secure,” said Mariners head coach Mark Jackson.
“It’s really important that we identify targets with high potential and that’s exactly what Diesel is. He comes across from Europe with maybe not a lot of experience but a lot of potential, especially with his physical stature and capabilities.
“He joins a group of centre backs which is a pivotal position in our team, how the centre backs play is crucial to how we want to play. Diesel can add to that alongside Brian Kaltak, Nathan Paull and the younger NPL boys.
“We’re really excited to have him on board and to be able to get to work with him on his development.”
Herrington is the newest face in Gosford, where the Mariners have signed Lucas Mauragis, Haine Eames (scholarship contract), Sasha Kuzevski (promoted), Alfie McCalmont and Adam Pavlesic ahead of 2024-25.
Central Coast have also re-signed Mikael Doka, Harrison Steele and Miguel Di Pizio, though they have lost the likes of Hall, Max Balard, Danny Vukovic (retired) and Johnny Warren Medallist Josh Nisbet.
WHO TO WATCH: 13 players who could be set for a breakout season in the Isuzu UTE A-League
REMEMBER THESE NAMES: Your guide to the A-Leagues whiz kids who ended Australia’s 5-year drought
“The recent success the team has had, winning back-to-back Championships and last season’s treble, plus their track record of developing young players, made this a very attractive place to progress my career,” Herrington said.
“I want to help the club win more trophies in the coming season and play my best football for the fans on the Central Coast.
“Already since arriving here, I have noticed and appreciated the work the coaching staff are putting into us players to prepare us for another successful season.”
