A desire to ‘right the wrongs’ of the last couple of Hyundai A-League seasons has led to speedy winger Connor Pain re-signing with the Central Coast Mariners.
Following on from defender Kye Rowles, Pain has agreed to a one-year contract extension in Gosford until the end of the 2018/19 Season.
“I’m really excited to get everything sorted because this is where I want to be,” Pain said on Wednesday.
“We have unfinished business here on the Coast and I think with Mike coming in he’s set some firm goals – we will be very disciplined next season and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.
“We’re not shying away from the fact that the last couple of seasons have been lean. Come June we’re going to hit the ground running, correct our wrongs and be ready to go in round one in October.”
The 24-year-old played the last two seasons with the Mariners after making the switch from Melbourne Victory.
With over 100 Hyundai A-League appearances to his name, Pain is now an established player in the competition and feels it’s time to take his game to the next level.
“I want to climb the table – that’s the main thing. Personally, I want to help the team with more assists and goals, I would like a bit more of both,” he said.
“If I can do that and we can all do our jobs I am sure the rest will take care of itself.
“We want to repay the faith of the supporters. When I think about them, there’s one word that comes to mind and that’s ‘loyal’ – the ones that show up every week are the ones we need to reward. We need to give them the joyous years they once had.”
In 22 appearances in the 2017/18 Season, Pain had a return of four goals and three assists, while he had 23 successful dribbles.
“It is clear to me that Connor is a player that is committed to the Central Coast Mariners,” Mariners boss Mike Mulvey said.
“He is the type of player that leaves nothing on the pitch and gives the Yellow & Navy his all, every time he puts on that jersey.
“Having been here for two seasons now, Connor has embraced what it means to be a Central Coast Mariner and is motivated to achieve success with the club. His efforts in attack will be key to our success next season.”
Central Coast Mariners Squad
Goalkeepers: Adam PEARCE, Ben KENNEDY
Defenders: Alan BARO, Antony GOLEC, Jake McGING, Kye ROWLES, Jack CLISBY
Midfielders: Adam BERRY, Wout BRAMA, Tom HIARIEJ, Jacob MELLING, Danny De SILVA
Attackers: Andrew HOOLE, Connor PAIN, Corey GAMEIRO
