Central Coast Mariners have announced the signing of Dutch midfielder Wout Brama on a two-year Hyundai A-League contract.
NEED TO KNOW
►Boasting over 300 games of experience in the Netherlands with Dutch powerhouses FC Twente and PEC Zwolle, Brama arrives on the Central Coast from FC Utrecht who finished fourth in the 2016/17 Eredivisie.
►Brama has also featured for the Dutch National Team, debuting in 2009 against Paraguay.
►The 30-year-old defensive midfielder will play alongside fellow countryman Tom Hiariej whom he played with in 2008 for the Netherlands under 23’s national team.
BRAMA ON JOINING THE MARINERS
“I have been playing in the Netherlands for a long time now so I was very excited when the Central Coast Mariners expressed their interest,” Brama said.
“For me it’s a great step, a big adventure to play abroad, so I am very excited to play there. I spoke with Tom [Hiariej] when I heard from the Mariners and he was very positive about the club so I am really excited to come there, having another Dutchman there makes things a bit easier in the beginning as well.
“I also spoke with Trent Sainsbury. Man, he loves this club. He was very positive, spoke very highly about the way of living so that also pushed me and helped me to decide.
“My main goal is to help the team return to finals football. I want to have success with this club, I have a lot of experience in the Netherlands so hopefully I can help the younger players in the squad which is what I am accustomed to doing. My biggest quality is that I am a real team player, I will never be selfish – I know Australians are hardworking so I know I will fit in well.
“Under Coach Steve McClaren we became Champions of the Netherlands, we played at the highest level so that experience will help the team. We played in the Europa League and the Champions League and that’s experience I will bring with me.
“I’m a defensive midfielder, tactically strong. As I said, I am a team player so I will help the players around me play better football. I want to play football from the back and from what I have heard that’s the philosophy of the club, I will fit well into the Dutch style of football and also offer an option in attack,” Brama said.
OKON DELIGHTED WITH DUTCH RECRUIT
“We are delighted to welcome Wout to the Central Coast Mariners,” Mariners coach Paul Okon said.
“We’ve been looking for a strong defensive midfielder with a high work rate who is real quality in possession to fit our game style.
“Wout will add invaluable experience and leadership to our playing group and will no doubt be an asset to our team.”
Brama will arrive on the Central Coast after the club’s Westfield FFA Cup Round of 32 clash to be played on Wednesday August 2 against Blacktown City.
