Former Juventus goalkeeper Jess Vanstrattan is set to play for Central Coast Mariners and link up again with coach Graham Arnold after parting company with Gold Coast United by mutual agreement.
Vanstrattan, born in Gosford, was keen to return home and after discussions with United management, his contract was terminated so he could join the Mariners before the start of the 2010-11 A-League season.
Gold Coast CEO, Clive Mensink, said they were happy to comply with Vanstrattan’s request to return home.
“There was interest in Jess from the Central Coast Mariners and Jess himself indicated that he would like to make the move which will take him closer to his family roots,” Mensink said.
“On this occasion we did not want to stand in Jess’s way and we wish him all the very best for the future. He is an excellent goalkeeper and I’m sure he will do very well for the Mariners.”
Despite having back-up keepers Scott Higgins and impressive youngster Jerrad Tyson waiting in the wings, Gold Coast Head Coach Miron Bleiberg admitted that a replacement for Vanstrattan was on the top of his priority list.
“Obviously securing a new goalkeeper is paramount and we will be looking to make signing as soon as possible, as long as the player is right for us,” he said.
Arnold previously signed Vanstrattan for Northern Spirit in the now defunct National Soccer League in 1999 and he didn’t pass up the chance to link up with the shot-stopper again.
Vanstrattan’s move to Gosford should pave the way for the departure of Young Socceroos ‘keeper Danny Vukovic.
Vukovic, who has played 104 A-League matches for the Mariners over five years, is said to be only days away from tying up a deal with Turkish Super Lig side Konyaspor.
