Emily Husband departs Mariners with exciting opportunity ahead

Central Coast Mariners can today confirm the departure of Ninja A-League Head Coach Emily Husband, who leaves to pursue an exciting opportunity to progress her career.

Emily joined the Mariners in March 2023, announced as the Head Coach for our returning Women’s team after a successful stint at Sydney University in NPL NSW.

After building the team from scratch ahead of the 2023/24 season, Husband surpassed all expectations as she guided the team to a fifth-place finish, before narrowly losing to eventual Champions Sydney FC over two-legs in the semi-finals.

The team would go one better in 2024/25, finishing in fourth place and booking a home Elimination Final, where a 2-1 win over Canberra United would kickstart a finals run for the ages.

The Mariners knocked out unbeaten Premiers Melbourne City over two legs in the Semi-Finals, with Izzy Gomez’s late strike sending us to the Grand Final at AAMI Park.

Husband’s team would be victorious in the most dramatic fashion, overcoming a star-studded Melbourne Victory side on penalties in one of the most iconic Ninja A-League Grand Finals.

It was a momentous achievement for the club as we lifted our first ever Women’s Championship, whilst Husband made her own history, becoming just the fourth female Head Coach to oversee a Championship-winning team.

Upon departing the Mariners, Husband wanted to take this opportunity to thank the club and most importantly, the fans.

“I’d just like to thank the club for giving me the opportunity in the first place, I wouldn’t be where I am without it.” Husband said.

“To all the staff and players that I have worked with over the past two years, thank you for your effort and commitment. I will never forget the amazing memories and success we shared together.

“Finally, I want to thank the Mariners Family. The Central Coast is such a special place. For us to go from having no supporter base to having between 1,000-2,000 fans at every game has been incredible and you have truly been the 12th player for the team.”

Mariners CEO Greg Brownlow added a heartfelt thank you to Emily and provided an update on our search for a replacement:

“On behalf of everyone at the Central Coast Mariners, I want to express our deepest gratitude and admiration for Emily whose leadership and dedication have made an indelible mark on our football program.” Brownlow said.

“Her remarkable success on the field is testament to her unwavering commitment to excellence, discipline and teamwork, and has inspired both players and staff alike.

“Beyond the on-field success, Emily has been a mentor, a role model and a pillar of integrity and passion.

“While we are extremely sad to see Emily go, we are incredibly proud of all she has accomplished, and we are excited to see what she achieves next.

“We wish Emily nothing but the very best in her next chapter.”

“As a club, we will now commence our search for our next Ninja A-League Head Coach. We will take our time to find the right person who connects with the Mariners’ organisational strategies.” Brownlow added.