The Central Coast Mariners are thrilled to announce that academy midfielder, Joshua Nisbet has earned an A-League promotion for the remainder of the Hyundai A-League 2018/19 season.
CLICK HERE to view Josh Nisbet’s full interview
The fast-footed midfielder today signed his maiden professional contract with the Mariners after impressing in the club’s last two Hyundai A-League fixtures.
Contracted until at least the end of the Hyundai A-League 2018/19 season, the faith shown by Mulvey is a reward for Nisbet’s hard work within the Mariners Academy set up since arriving from Queensland two years ago.
Making his Hyundai A-League debut in last Wednesday night’s #F3Derby, Nisbet also appeared off the bench against Adelaide United on Sunday evening.
The proud 19-year-old, adds to his list of already impressive achievements having already: won the club’s Foxtel Y-League Player of the Year award; made his professional debut in the FFA Cup; A-League debut against the Jets and voted Player of the Week by our fans in Round 15 of the A-League.
Balancing his full-time training load, Nisbet also works part time at Woolworths Bateau Bay and spoke about the unique moment he was offered his maiden professional contract.
“This is everything I’ve been working towards for my whole life,” Nisbet said. “My parents have helped me a lot along the way so it’s great to reward them by signing my first professional contract.
“I had played my debut on the Wednesday, I was working on the Thursday at Woolworths. I got a call from Mike and I couldn’t get to the phone so I asked my boss if I could sneak out the back to have a quick chat.
“Over the phone he said he wanted to reward me for my performances. It was an exciting moment but I had to get straight back to work so I couldn’t celebrate too much.
“My bosses have been big supporters so when I told them I had a call from Mike they told me to call him straight away and they celebrated with me which was nice,” Nisbet said.
46’ | SUB:
➡️ Nisbet ON
⬅️ Hiariej OFFA HUGE congrats to Josh Nisbet who makes his @ALeague debut. Well in, Nizzy! #CCMFC #F3Derby #ALeague pic.twitter.com/EfifF33DuE
— Central Coast Mariners (@CCMariners) January 23, 2019
Living in Queensland with his family, the Penrith born prospect made the huge decision two years ago to relocate to the Central Coast. A big gamble, that has now paid off.
“At the time, it was a very big risk because nothing is certain in football,” Nisbet said. “Now that it’s paid off it’s a really good feeling for me and everyone that has helped along the way.
“I would like to thank my family and friends who have been so supportive along the way. As well as the previous youth coaches Ben Cahn, Will Vazquez and Ken Schembri who were all a massive help for me, Benny was a big supporter of mine from day dot and gave me my first opportunity – I’m happy to be able to reward him by signing my first professional contract,” Nisbet said.
After making his competitive debut for the Mariners in the FFA Cup, Nisbet said it helped calm his nerves ahead of his Hyundai A-League debut which came in the #F3Derby last week.
“After playing against Adelaide in the FFA Cup, I was quite nervous at the time, so for my debut on Wednesday a few of the nerves were gone,” Nisbet said. “It made me feel a lot more comfortable but it was really good to make my debut in the derby. Unfortunately, we didn’t get the result but it was still a good feeling.
“The coaching staff have placed their faith in me and I am very thankful for that. I want to play as many minutes as I can and I will do whatever I can to help the team,” Nisbet said.
NIZZY! ??
Congrats to 19-year-old #YLeague player, Josh Nisbet. On his @ALeague debut, you voted him as our @maccas Player of the Match. He edged @jonathanaspro by just TWO votes. #CCMFC #ALeague pic.twitter.com/NEOdhQNiWc
— Central Coast Mariners (@CCMariners) January 25, 2019
Despite becoming a professional footballer, a humble Josh Nisbet even offered to keep helping his friends out at Woolworths until they are able to find a suitable replacement.
“Woolworths have helped me a lot so I might keep working there for a little bit to help them out until they can find someone to replace me – they are all really happy for me and have been massive supporters,” Nisbet said.
Head Coach, Mike Mulvey was full of praise for the diminutive midfielder, who stands five foot two and a half tall.
“Josh is a very dedicated young player,” Mulvey said. “He’s small in stature but very big in heart.
“We brought him into the first team set up during pre-season and he did quite well, he’s continued his progression. He’s been given two opportunities in the A-League and taken those opportunities with both hands. We had no hesitation giving him that opportunity and he rewarded the belief we instilled in him – he showed that he has the capability to play at that level.
“Nizzy is somebody who realises that life doesn’t stand still – he’s prepared to take that opportunity and not all players are capable of doing that,” Mulvey said.
