Emily Husband has been announced as the Central Coast Mariners’ Liberty A-League coach, signing a multi-year deal ahead of their return to the competition next season.
Husband is the current women’s head coach for Sydney University in the NSW NPL, winning the Coach of the Year last season after winning both the first-grade premiership and reserve grade championship.
She will continue as Sydney University’s head coach while transitioning into her new position ahead of the upcoming season – working alongside Mariners’ League One Women’s head coach Dan Barrett – who will continue in his position as Academy Head of Women’s Football.
“It is unbelievably exciting. It is going to be a challenge, but I am ready to take it on. I’m ready to unite the community, the men’s and women’s sides and guide players through the pathway from SAP to the A-League Women’s team,” Husband said.
“I have only been around the club for a few days, and I can already get the feel for the Central Coast. It is a real homey place where football is one of the biggest sports. I want to continue to grow that during my time at the club.”
Husband’s enjoyed a successful playing career too, starting her career in both Leeds United and Manchester City’s youth sides before playing for Huddersfield Town’s senior team.
She’s also had experience as an assistant coach at Canberra United during the 2020/21 Liberty A-League season, while previously working in the international department and community spaces at both Leeds United and Chelsea.
“It will be a huge challenge, which I am absolutely ready for and willing to take on. It is exciting that I get to come in and put my footprint in the Central Coast and the Mariners,” she said.
“Every single game from our first match of next season we will look to compete. That is going to be the number one objective, bringing the girls together, immersing them into the culture and getting them to represent the club in a positive way.”
Now, Husband will turn her attention to the recruitment process ahead of the Mariners’ return to the competition next season.
The Mariners were previously in the A-League Women’s competition in the 2008 and 2009 seasons, finishing as runners-up in their final season in the league before disbanding due to a lack of funding.
