Central Coast has added some much-needed firepower up front by signing North Queensland Fury striker Daniel McBreen for two years.
McBreen, who has scored three goals for the Fury this season, will join the Mariners from the start of the 2010/11 Hyundai A-League season.
“It’s good to get a two-year contract because it gives you some stability, and you can set your mind on what you want to do, but to be at a good club is great as well,” said McBreen, who played with Newcastle United in its inaugural National Soccer League campaign in 2000.
“It’s an established club which has done well in the past, and I’m really looking forward to getting there and being a part of it.”
“I’ve got family in Sydney and Newcastle and obviously a lot of friends down there so it’s a bit like coming home, and my Mrs is really glad to be around those people as well, so it was a double whammy, it was good.”
“It’s perfect for myself, I thought it was the best time to get down there and hopefully I can come down to the Mariners, score a few goals, and help the team do well.”
McBreen, 32, scored nine goals in his 36 appearances under Ian Crook at Newcastle, before joining Romanian side FC Universitatea Craiova.
He then embarked on a six-year career in the English and Scottish leagues, most notably with Scottish Premier League side Falkirk, where he managed 21 goals in 64 appearances for the Bairns.
He also played in a Scottish Cup semi-final against Rangers, and made an FA Trophy final appearance at Wembley.
Mariners coach Lawrie McKinna was delighted to add McBreen to his list.
“We’ve got a great goalscoring record this season, we’ve scored the third most goals of any club in the league, and I think Daniel can come in and help us in front of goal next year as well,” he said.
“He scored against us as well when we played the Fury at home so we know what he can do. We’ve got him for two seasons and he’s a good lad, he’s been doing well for the Fury, was good against Sydney at the weekend, and we’re looking forward to having him here.”
Added Mariners executive chairman Lyall Gorman: ‘Daniel is an exciting addition to the squad for next season, and we look forward to him making a positive impact at the club.’
“We have always selected players carefully and we believe Daniel is a good fit for the club. He grew up just up the road in Newcastle, and has an impressive record, which we hope will continue when he links up with us next season.”
