Adam Kwasnik, the Central Coast Mariners’ greatest ever goal scorer, will once again wear yellow and navy after booking a return flight from his season with the Wellington Phoenix.
Kwasnik moved to Wellington following the Mariners- Premiership winning campaign yet the 25-year-old struggled to fire as he did at Bluetongue Stadium.
The former Australian youth international netted a club record 19 goals from 75 competitive appearances at Central Coast compared to goalless twelve appearances for the New Zealand club.
Kwasnik fielded offers from various clubs in recent weeks, but opted for a return to his old club to become the Mariners- second new recruit ahead of their maiden AFC Champions League tilt following last week-s capture of Shane Huke.
“It was with significant regret that we allowed Adam to leave for Wellington in the first instance, so it goes without saying that we-re thrilled to welcome him back,” said Mariners Executive Chairman Lyall Gorman.
“Adam-s contribution was crucial to our qualification for the AFC Champions League and it-s only fitting that he gets a chance to take part in this tournament, where I-m certain we-ll see him return to his best form, which made him such a favourite of our Members and supporters for three seasons.”
Kwasnik-s achievements with the Mariners include the club-s Golden Boot prize in 2006/07 for his seven A-League regular season strikes and a unique record of being the only Mariners player to have scored against each of the Mariners- eight A-League opponents to date.
“I-m thrilled that everything has worked out the way that it has and that I-ve been given the chance to return to the Central Coast and to the Mariners, where I-ve enjoyed three very memorable seasons previously,” said Kwasnik.
“My time in Wellington was also very enjoyable and I-d like to thank everyone at the Phoenix for their hospitality and professionalism throughout last season, but this opportunity to come back to the Mariners was one that was simply too good to pass up.”
“I-m very comfortable with the playing group, coaching staff, Members and supporters here and I can-t wait to get started and contribute again to what successes lie ahead for the Mariners domestically and in Asia.”
The Newcastle Jets have bolstered their squad for the forthcoming AFC Champions League 2009 with local players Mitchell Johnson, Peter Haynes and Joel Wood all signing 6-month contracts with the club.
