WITH Hyundai A-League players ordinarily registered from one through 23, it is not often a player dons the number 26 on his kit. However, two players to have worn the number 26 kit for the yellow and navy are Brady Smith and Alvin Ceccoli.
WITH Hyundai A-League players ordinarily registered from one through 23, it is not often a player dons the number 26 on his kit. However, two players to have worn the number 26 kit for the yellow and navy are Brady Smith and Alvin Ceccoli.
Promising youngster Brady Smith signed on with Central Coast in 2008. He was a key figure in the National Youth League side, and managed to make two Hyundai A-League appearances for the first team.
Smith had a bright playing future ahead of him but his professional football prospects were unfortunately curtailed due to injury.
Smith loved representing the Central Coast Mariners and the Central Coast region, and was always passionate when participating in community work.
Lawrie McKinna, former Mariners Head Coach and now General Manager of Football, spoke of Smith-s time with the Club.
“He was a great local boy,” McKinna said. “He played for Central Coast Lightning and was one of those boys that gave everything he had. Brady could play in any position – he was a very versatile player. He scored a lot of crucial goals for the youth team.”
Alvin Ceccoli also joined the club in 2008 and made six appearances for the Club.
Now 38, Ceccoli played for two other Hyundai A-League outfits, Sydney FC and Adelaide United.
He also represented the Qantas Socceroos throughout his established career, scoring an international goal against the Cook Islands in 1998.
Ceccoli currently plays for Dapto Dandaloo Fury in the Illawarra Premier League.
“Alvin came in and did the job for us and helped us get over the line. It was when we secured our first premiership and he took part in our second Grand Final. His experience during that time was crucial,” McKinna said.
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