The Central Coast Mariners’ greatest ever goal scorer will once again wear yellow and navy, after Adam Kwasnik booked a return flight from his season with the Wellington Phoenix in order to rejoin his former team-mates for the AFC Champions League 2009 and subsequent Hyundai A-League 2009/10 season.
The Central Coast Mariners- greatest ever goal scorer will once again wear yellow and navy, after Adam Kwasnik booked a return flight from his season with the Wellington Phoenix in order to rejoin his former team-mates for the AFC Champions League 2009 and subsequent Hyundai A-League 2009/10 season.
Kwasnik sought a sea change following the Mariners- Hyundai A-League Premiership winning campaign in 2007/08 and was granted his wish by Trans Tasman rivals Wellington, where the 25-year-old enjoyed a modest season that largely failed to match the standard that he had set at Bluetongue Stadium.
Kwasnik-s goalless twelve appearances for Wellington throughout the Hyundai A-League 2008/09 season were incomparable to his first stint on the Central Coast; where the former Australian youth international netted a club record 19 goals from 75 competitive appearances.
Kwasnik has fielded offers from various clubs in recent weeks, but opted for a return to the surrounds that made him one of the most electrifying attacking talents in Australia and becomes the Mariners- second new recruit ahead of their maiden AFC Champions League tilt following last week-s capture of Shane Huke.
“It was with significant regret that we allowed Adam to leave for Wellington in the first instance, so it goes without saying that we-re thrilled to welcome him back,” said Mariners Executive Chairman Lyall Gorman.
“Every player is entitled and indeed encouraged to expand their horizons and football experiences and, to that end, we-re glad that Adam has gained such valuable football knowledge from another country and another environment and returns to us wiser and better for the experience.
“Adam-s contribution was crucial to our qualification for the AFC Champions League and it-s only fitting that he gets a chance to take part in this tournament, where I-m certain we-ll see him return to his best form, which made him such a favourite of our Members and supporters for three seasons.”
Kwasnik-s achievements with the Mariners include – all-time greatest goal scorer aside – claiming the club-s Golden Boot prize in 2006/07 for his seven Hyundai A-League regular season strikes and a unique record of being the only Mariners player to have scored against each of the Mariners- eight Hyundai A-League opponents to date.
Prior to departing for Wellington, Kwasnik contributed 15 starts, seven substitute appearances and six goals to the Mariners- Premiership winning campaign to rank third behind leading marksmen Sasho Petrovski and John Aloisi in terms of goal scoring, while also offering Football Manager Lawrie McKinna versatile and consistent option in attack.
Kwasnik will soon begin training with his former team-mates before making himself available for selection for the Mariners- opening AFC Champions League match against Korean FA Cup winners Pohang Steelers at Bluetongue Stadium on Wednesday, 11 March.
With a maximum of thirty AFC Champions League squad spots able to be nominated by the Mariners, Kwasnik-s capture, in addition to that of Shane Huke, leaves the yellow and navy able to sign as many as eight more players for their inaugural continental campaign.
“I-m thrilled that everything has worked out the way that it has and that I-ve been given the chance to return to the Central Coast and to the Mariners, where I-ve enjoyed three very memorable seasons previously,” said Kwasnik.
“My time in Wellington was also very enjoyable and I-d like to thank everyone at the Phoenix for their hospitality and professionalism throughout last season, but this opportunity to come back to the Mariners was one that was simply too good to pass up.
“I-m very comfortable with the playing group, coaching staff, Members and supporters here and I can-t wait to get started and contribute again to what successes lie ahead for the Mariners domestically and in Asia.”
Adam Kwasnik
Date of Birth 31 May 1983
Place of Birth Sydney, Australia
Position Striker
Height 179cm
Weight 76kg
Former Clubs 2000-01, 2004-05 Blacktown City (New South Wales); 2001-02 Parramatta Power; 2002-04 Northern Spirit; 2005-08 Central Coast Mariners; 2008-09 Wellington Phoenix
The Mariners- bid for a berth in the Hyundai A-League Preliminary Final will continue at Suncorp Stadium on Friday, 13 February, when they again take on the Queensland Roar in the Minor Semi Final – 2nd Leg. Kick off is at 8.30pm AEDT.
The Mariners will next be at Bluetongue Stadium for the opening match of their maiden Asian adventure – an AFC Champions League 2009 clash against Korean FA Cup winners Pohang Steelers on Wednesday, 11 March.
Ticketing information for Mariners Members and supporters will be made available in the coming weeks.
