The Mariners are excited to announce the signing of Jess Vanstrattan as Goalkeeping coach for the next 3 years.
After years of successful coaching in the Hyundai A-League, the Central Coast local is returning to the yellow and navy after the departure of Matt Nash. Born in Gosford, Vanstrattan played his junior years for Terrigal United on the Central Coast before plying his trade professionally in Italy for 10 years. In 2009, he returned to Australia to play for A-League side Gold Coast United before moving to the Mariners the following year.
2014 saw Vanstrattan begin his coaching career with the Central Coast Mariners Academy, before moving on to positions with Newcastle Jets, Melbourne City and Melbourne Victory.
“It’s good to be coming home” Vanstrattan said. “I actually started my coaching career with the Mariners – I had mentioned to Phil Moss (former Head Coach) that I wanted to start coaching and he offered me a role in the Academy. I’ve always been thankful for that opportunity”
“That’s the reason I started coaching in the first place – to give young guys the opportunity to take their football to the highest level. I was fortunate growing up on the coast that I had some great goalkeeping coaches and was given those opportunities to succeed
“I’ve had a few great talks with Alen, and he seems really positive about the season ahead. I’ve bumped into a few of the players and the reports are all positive, so hopefully we can assemble the strongest squad possible and be really competitive this year”
But football isn’t the only reason Vanstrattan was looking to return to the coast.
“I know the Mariners are a family club – one of the reasons for returning home is my wife Gabby who is pregnant with twins, so it’s good for us to be back with our family and friends to ensure that we have the support that we need”.
Jess Vanstrattan will formally begin his role when the Hyundai A-League squad commence pre-season training next week.
