New Central Coast Mariners boss has locked away another player for next season, with the club confirming midfielder Jacob Melling has signed a two-year deal to remain in Gosford.
Melling, who only arrived on the Central Coast in January, will now remain at the club until at least the end of the Hyundai A-League 2019/20 Season.
The 23-year-old played 11 times for the club last season, taking his overall tally to 59 appearances in his short Hyundai A-League career.
“To be honest, I’m rapt,” Melling said on Thursday.
“I’m really looking forward to moving to the Central Coast with my family and being closer to the boys so we can build on where we started this season.
“It’s time now to look forward, I am excited for when we can get the full squad in and focus on playing finals football.
:I’ve really enjoyed being a part of a club that’s so focused on the community – the most frustrating thing has been that we haven’t been able to deliver them the results they deserve on the weekend.”
Melling, a graduate of the Australian Institute of Sport, Melling first debuted in the A-League with Adelaide United as a teenager in the 2011/12 Season.
He had stints at both Melbourne City and the Western Sydney Wanderers before opting to join the Mariners midway through this season.
He’s now looking forward to trying to establish himself in the Mariners midfield next season under new boss Mulvey.
“I obviously wanted to know who was being appointed before making the decision to stay on the Coast,” Melling said.
“To see Mike come in, it made my decision a lot easier, especially seeing the way he wants to play and how determined he is to make sure we’re playing finals football and contending for the title.
“So, for me it was a no-brainer to stay on the Coast and I’m really looking forward to the next few seasons and bringing some silverware back to the Coast.”
Mulvey said of the signing: “Jacob is a player who will be central to our hopes going forward and we’re delighted to extend his deal.
“He’s planning to settle on the Coast with a young family and I know how eager he is to make them proud.
“He has a real presence about him, both physical and technical, and I think he’s a player with a considerable upside that we’re planning to unlock in the coming seasons.”
Central Coast Mariners Squad
Goalkeepers: Adam PEARCE, Ben KENNEDY
Defenders: Alan BARO, Antony GOLEC, Jake McGING, Kye ROWLES
Midfielders: Adam BERRY, Wout BRAMA, Tom HIARIEJ, Jacob MELLING, Danny De SILVA
Attackers: Trent BUHAGIAR, Andrew HOOLE, Connor PAIN
