The Central Coast Mariners have confirmed the signing of former Newcastle Jets winger Andrew Hoole on a two-year Hyundai A-League contract.
The 23-year-old attacker will cross the #F3Derby divide having played for the Newcastle Jets last season where he managed 26 appearances, bagging five goals.
Last season was Hoole’s second stint with the Jets after debuting in the 2012/13 season. After his maiden Hyundai A-League campaign, Hoole remained with Newcastle for three seasons before signing with Graham Arnold’s Sydney FC ahead of the 2015/16 season. He now has 91 Hyundai A-League appearances to his name.
Upon signing his contract at the Central Coast Mariners Centre of Excellence today, Hoole spoke about his desire to play under Okon who he believes is the man to help him reach his full potential.
“I’m very excited to be joining the Central Coast Mariners,” Hoole said. “Last season you could see how far the club came under the guidance of Paolo [Paul Okon] and I am really looking forward to getting started.
“I’ve worked with Paolo before so I know that he is full of energy, he’s got a great football brain and he really knows how to get the best out of young players so that was a big factor in me coming to the club. Last season you could see how animated he was on the sideline at certain moments, he rides the game for 90 minutes to get the most out of his players and it’s clear to see that he always has the backing of the 11 players out on the park.
“A fresh start is always good, this is a new environment for me and a new challenge so I am looking forward to playing full time under Paolo.
“The club wants to move forward – coming here, I know all the players will want to be playing finals football, that’s the main focus. Competition for spots is vitally important, if you can have two or three players vying for each position it’s great for the team environment,” Hoole said.
As Head Coach of the Young Socceroos during the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup campaign, Paul Okon worked with Andrew Hoole in Green & Gold and outlined for Mariners fans just how strategic this recruitment is, plus he expressed how confident he is that will see the very best of Hoole over the next two seasons.
“Hooley is a fantastic talent,” Okon said. “I worked with him at the Young Socceroos and Olyroos – I saw his potential first hand. His flexibility to play both inside in a pocket and out wide on the wing complement our playing style, also he’s very good on set pieces which will bring us more goals.
“This is crucial in our recruitment strategy to have more strength in these areas.
“Hooley can be a match winner and I’m confident he will contribute with assists and goals,” Okon said.
