Fabio Ferreira is primed to bring down former club Adelaide United on Thursday night after Central Coast Mariners confirmed they would shun an earlier “gentleman’s agreement” preventing the winger playing against the Reds.
Ferreira, who joined the Mariners mid-season from Adelaide, was prevented playing in last month’s clash between the two clubs due to an agreement between Reds boss Josep Gombau and then-Mariners coach Phil Moss.
The consensus between Gombau and Moss also stood for this week’s encounter at Coopers Stadium but with Moss sacked last week, the Mariners said they wouldn’t be honouring the deal.
“Fabio Ferreira will play on Thursday,” Mariners Executive Vice Chairman Peter Storrie said via a club statement.
“There should be no such agreements on permanent transfers.
“I can understand a gentleman’s agreement in relation to a loan deal which this is certainly not.”
The decision is great news for Ferreira who was forced to sit out the first clash after signing a two-year deal with the Mariners.
The 25-year-old has been sensational for his new club so far, scoring three times in just four appearances including the winner in Sunday’s 1-0 victory over Melbourne City.
“I’m very happy with my performance and happy to help the team as well. That’s why I’m here to play and to play well and show what I can do,” Ferreira said on Tuesday.
“We needed [the win against City]. If we want to be in the top six which is possible, it’s hard but it’s possible, we have to win every game and that was a great and important win for us.
“Nothing is impossible. We will just keep fighting until mathematically it’s not possible.”
If they are to keep their slim hopes alive, victory against an Adelaide side – which has just one win from their last five matches – is imperative.
Well-liked by Reds fans during his time at Coopers Stadium, Ferreira says he’s unsure of the reception he’ll get on Thursday night.
“They [Adelaide] haven’t been at their best lately which is good for us,” Ferreira said.
“We can go there and if we put a good performance we can win this game.
“I’m going to take this game as another game…I will play with all I have and I want to win the game.
“I don’t know if I’m going to be booed or not. I will play my game and what comes from outside will come from outside.
