Nick Montgomery has officially been unveiled as the new head coach of Scottish Premiership outfit Hibernian after a successful two-year tenure at Central Coast Mariners.
Montgomery joins Hibs only three months after leading the Mariners to their second Isuzu UTE A-League Championship following a 6-1 rout of three-time reigning premiers Melbourne City in the Grand Final.
He replaces Lee Johnson, who was sacked in late August following a run of three consecutive defeats to start the season before Hibs climbed off the bottom of the table with a 2-0 win over Aberdeen prior to the international break.
Montgomery will be joined by current Mariners assistant coach Sergio Raimundo in Edinburgh.
The 41-year-old Brit will reunite with former Mariners full-back Lewis Miller along with fellow Australians Martin Boyle and Jimmy Jeggo, and former Sydney FC star Adam Le Fondre.
Central Coast Mariners Chairman Richard Peil thanked both Montgomery and Raimundo for
their time at the club, wishing them both well for the future in an open letter to members.
“I sincerely thank Nick and Sergio, two of the hardest working people I’ve ever met, and wish them all the best as they navigate their next challenge. Moments like this prove why our club is so great, we give opportunities to talented people, and when they perform like our coaching team did last year, bigger clubs will take notice. At the end of the day, we want everyone at the club to reach their potential, and move on to their next challenge,” Peil said.
“We did everything we could financially to keep both Monty and Serg at the club, however it was obvious that this opportunity was one that was too great for them to pass up.
“I believe we have recruited exceptionally this off season, and we are poised for another big year, even though we still have one of the leanest operating budgets and youngest squads in the league. Matt Simon our Sporting Director has already flagged key candidates that will suit our club, and he has been inundated with potential coaches from all over the world.
“We will take the time to ensure we get the right type of coach to continue the legacy left by Monty and Serg, and ensure the DNA of the Mariners, including youth development, is continued for the foreseeable future.”
Montgomery departs the Mariners after a highly successful tenure as both a player and coach.
He initially joined the club in 2012 from Sheffield United, making over 100 appearances during his five years in the senior squad. The defensive midfielder was a key part of the side that took home the 2012-13 Isuzu UTE A-League Championship, but missed the Grand Final victory due to suspension.
After retirement, Montgomery returned as an assistant coach and held roles as Head of Football and A-League Youth coach, before being appointed senior head coach in June 2021 following Alen Stajcic’s departure.
Montgomery led the Mariners to back-to-back finals appearances and was credited with building his squad around a young core, with many going on to sign for overseas clubs including Jason Cummings, Garang Kuol, Sammy Silvera, Nectar Triantis and Miller.
Montgomery issued an open letter to Central Coast Mariners members after an incredible
eleven seasons with the club.
This letter included the below snippet, where he thanked everyone involved for his time at the club and wished the Mariners the very best for the future.
“11 years ago, I arrived on the Central Coast with my family, and I didn’t know what to expect. What I found was a beautiful place and community to match,” Montgomery said.
“I will never forget the support the fans have given me and my family. I am so happy I could deliver that trophy back to the Coast, for them and for the community. Together as one family we made what people thought was impossible, possible.
“It’s time for a new chapter, but you will always be in my heart, and I will be supporting from afar.”
Central Coast Mariners Sporting Director Matt Simon spoke on the next steps moving forward for the club, as the club looks to appoint their next head coach.
“I would like to start by personally thanking Monty and Sergio for everything they have done
for me and the club,” he said, in a Mariners release.
We have been inundated with interest from all over the world for the vacant position of Head Coach of the Central Coast Mariners. We have already been speaking to potential candidates we believe will help to continue the club’s trajectory.
“Everyone at the club knows and understands how important this next appointment of a
Head Coach is, and we want to ensure that we make the right decision for the long term.
“This job is the most sought after in the A-League, and we will continue to work hard behind
the scenes to make sure that the right candidate is selected to lead us forward into the
future.”
Mariners Men’s Academy NPL First Grade coach Abbas Saad has been appointed interim head coach and will hold the position until a permanent replacement for Montgomery is selected.
