Central Coast Mariners have agreed to release defender Josh Rose to pursue another opportunity within the Hyundai A-League.
Rose, who joined the Mariners in 2010 has notched up 177 Hyundai A-League appearances (12 with New Zealand Knights) and arrived on the Central Coast in 2010 from Romanian club, Universitatea Craiova.
A firm fan favourite on the Central Coast, ‘Rosey;’ has been a beloved personality for the Mariners thanks to his famous overlapping runs, versatility on the pitch and unwavering efforts in the community during his six seasons in yellow & navy.
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The 2010/11 Mariners Medallist has experienced the highs and lows with the Central Coast Mariners having been involved with the heartbreaking Hyundai A-League 2010/11 Grand Final but most importantly the club’s maiden Hyundai A-League Championship in 2013.
In December last year, Rose etched his name into a special part of the Mariners’ history books when he made his 150th appearance for the club, joining the likes of Alex Wilkinson and John Hutchinson in the 150 club.
Speaking before his departure, Rose emotionally addressed the huge part that the Mariners have played in his life and thanked everyone for what has been an incredible journey on the Coast.
“It’s definitely mixed emotions,” Rose said.
“I’m sad to be leaving this club that I’ve been a part of for six seasons now but really excited for my new adventure.
“I probably haven’t had the best 12 months, football wise for myself but things in football can change pretty quick and at the end of the day this is the best decision for myself and the club.
“The last thing I want to do as an experienced senior player is limit the playing time of any junior and young Mickey Neill has come along in leaps and bounds and is really making that left back spot his own. That was a big part of my decision and I see that as his position now so hopefully me moving on will help him realise that even more.
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“This club is like a second home to me really: the fans, the boys in the dressing room are like my family.
“I can’t count how many times my wife has told me over the last six seasons that I love the club more than my own family, she’s probably not far off, she’s not right but she’s probably not far off because I love the boys in the dressing room like my brothers and whenever I see the fans out in the street they treat me like one of their own. I definitely think that will never change, I have formed friendships here that I will have forever.
“The Central Coast is a massive part of our lives, if I ever had the opportunity to come back as a player or something else to help this club than that would be a fantastic opportunity but football is a funny game and you never know what’s around the corner.”
When asked about his fondest moment at the Central Coast Mariners, Rosey couldn’t go past the Championship win in 2013.
“The group of boys we had that season were incredible, we went through some tough times that season with financial difficulties but it all grouped us and to win the Championship through out that turmoil topped it all off,” he said.
“I think that the Grand Final parade was probably the highlight for me, it was a fantastic day and I know that every player enjoyed that and the support from all of the fans.
“The fans have been very important, right from day one, the fan engagement is so important to all players. When I came here the fans made me feel so comfortable from day one, from the people in the office like Sharon and her crew when I turned up six years ago they just make you feel so welcome and really part of the club.
“It’s a massive bonus and it makes you feel so appreciated and I’ve always put in 100% for every game and the fans have been a massive part of that.
“I’d just like to say thank you and goodbye to everyone that’s been a part of my journey here for the last 6 seasons, the fans have been amazing and it’s been a fantastic time for me and my family.
“I honestly believe that this is the best decision for myself and the club, I leave with no resentment, no hard feelings, the club have been fantastic for me and when this opportunity came up the club helped me in the best way possible,” Rose said.
