Central Coast Mariners have confirmed head coach Emily Husband has departed the club after securing the club’s first-ever Ninja A-League Championship in 2024-25.
Husband will go down in history at the club, after leading the Mariners to their first-ever Ninja A-League title just two years after her arrival on the Central Coast.
Husband joined Central Coast from Sydney University in NPL NSW, Husband built the Mariners squad from the ground up and secured a fifth-place finish in 2023-24.
Her first season at the helm ended in the Semi-Finals but in 2024-25, the Mariners went all the way to secure Championship glory under Husband; a fourth-place finish after the regular season led to an Elimination Final win over Canberra United, a two-legged Semi-Final triumph over the previously-unbeaten Premiers Melbourne City, and a penalty shootout Grand Final win over Melbourne Victory.
In the process, Husband became just the fourth female coach to secure a Ninja A-League Championship.
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Upon confirmation of Husband’s departure, the club confirmed their outgoing head coach was set to “pursue an exciting opportunity to progress her career” at the end of her two-season stint at the Mariners.
“I’d just like to thank the club for giving me the opportunity in the first place, I wouldn’t be where I am without it.” Husband said.
“To all the staff and players that I have worked with over the past two years, thank you for your effort and commitment. I will never forget the amazing memories and success we shared together.
“Finally, I want to thank the Mariners Family. The Central Coast is such a special place. For us to go from having no supporter base to having between 1,000-2,000 fans at every game has been incredible and you have truly been the 12th player for the team.”
Mariners CEO Greg Brownlow added: “On behalf of everyone at the Central Coast Mariners, I want to express our deepest gratitude and admiration for Emily whose leadership and dedication have made an indelible mark on our football program.” Brownlow said.
“Her remarkable success on the field is testament to her unwavering commitment to excellence, discipline and teamwork, and has inspired both players and staff alike.
“Beyond the on-field success, Emily has been a mentor, a role model and a pillar of integrity and passion.
“While we are extremely sad to see Emily go, we are incredibly proud of all she has accomplished, and we are excited to see what she achieves next.
“We wish Emily nothing but the very best in her next chapter.
“As a club, we will now commence our search for our next Ninja A-League Head Coach. We will take our time to find the right person who connects with the Mariners’ organisational strategies.”
