Central Coast Mariners’ hopes for next season have been boosted with the re-signing of sought-after youngster Tomas Rogic and defender Patrick Zwaanswijk committing to the 2011/12 Premiers for a further campaign.
Central Coast Mariners- hopes for next season have been boosted with the re-signing of sought-after youngster Tomas Rogic and defender Patrick Zwaanswijk committing to the 2011/12 Premiers for a further campaign.
Rogic and Zwaanswijk both played an instrumental role in the Clubs- success last season, the former bursting onto the professional scene with a string of standout performances, the latter proving his class with seven goals in 29 games.
With Rogic widely reported to be the target of several rival Australian sides, Mariners boss Graham Arnold said securing the services of the admired young playmaker was a coup for his club.
“Tomas is one of the brightest prospects in Australian football, a player who could have an outstanding career if developed properly,” Arnold said.
“Tommy believed staying at the Mariners was the best thing for his personal development and with a full pre-season we believe he will be a key player for us next season.”
On Zwaanswijk-s re-capture, Arnold said: “Patrick wanted to play another season and we wanted Patrick to remain a Mariner. He has proven in his two seasons in Australia so far that he is one of the best foreign players ever to play in the country.
“We know and expect Patrick will give us the same level of performance next season as he has in the past two years at the Club.”
Both Rogic and Zwaanswijk admitted that sticking with the Mariners was the right decision at the different stages of their respective careers.
“A little bit of loyalty can go a long way in football, and hopefully I-ve shown that (loyalty),” Rogic said.
“I-m pretty grateful to have the other offers that I received [but] I guess I was leaning towards the Mariners because Arnie-s here and they gave me a chance in the first place.”
Zwaanswijk said he and his family are settled on the Central Coast and that at 37, he was physically and mentally ready for another season as a professional footballer.
“I am 37 but my body feels like I am 38 so one more year won-t do any harm,” Zwaanswijk joked.
“My body feels good, and mentally I am really fresh and capable of playing another season at this level.”
