The Central Coast Mariners are thrilled to announce the major signing of Australian attacker, Tommy Oar who has put pen-to-paper on a two-year-deal with the Club.
Oar will wear Yellow & Navy until at least the end of the Hyundai A-League 2019/20 season after most recently plying his trade with APOEL FC in Cyprus.
One month out from the start of the @ALeague season, our owner, Mike Charlesworth has some exciting news to share. Now we need you to believe, belong and become a member. #CCMFC #ALeague pic.twitter.com/sIzJoW9APT
— Central Coast Mariners (@CCMariners) September 19, 2018
The move marks Oar’s third stint in the Hyundai A-League after representing FC Utrecht and Ipswich Town between his two campaigns with Brisbane Roar.
The 26-year-old speedster has appeared 28 times for the Socceroos, which includes involvement in the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2015 AFC Asian Cup where Australia were crowned Champions of Asia.
Oar’s experience in Europe includes a UEFA Europa League appearance for Utrecht against Liverpool at Anfield and a UEFA Champions League appearance for APOEL against SK Slavia Prague.
Oar spoke of the influence that Mike Mulvey had on his decision to join the Mariners as well as a passionate supporter base being the key to the club’s success this season.
“The Central Coast Mariners are a great Club, I’m honoured,” Oar said. “I’m really grateful to be given this opportunity by the Mariners and I can’t wait to get stuck in.
“I’ve got plenty of history with Mike Mulvey, as a 15-year-old I was involved in the Queensland Academy of Sport where Mike was my coach and I earned my first professional contract with the Roar when he was my coach – he’s always been an influence in my career. We’ve stayed in touch quite regularly and he has been a mentor for me.
“Now the stars have aligned for me and I can’t wait to start working with Mike again. He’s the kind of coach that will show full belief in me – and get the best out of me.
“I feel like the Central Coast is somewhere that I can belong. Coming back now, I have a lot more experience than I ever have playing in the A-League and I hope to be an influential figure in the team.
“I want to help the team to success. I know the Mariners have had a difficult couple of years but historically, the Mariners have experienced a lot of success and I believe that I can help put this team back up where they belong.
“There’s a huge wave of positivity around the club and I want to be a part of that. We need to keep that going through the season and we need the belief of our Members. We’ve got a strong squad of players, a great coach and we will do everything we can to bring pride back to this club and this community.
“With the support of our community and a passionate Membership base there’s no limits to what we can achieve,” Oar said.
Head Coach Mike Mulvey is looking forward to reuniting with Oar on the Central Coast.
“Tommy Oar is a player I know well from a young age at the Queensland Academy of Sport and a player that I instill great belief in,” Mulvey said. “He has had a very good career here and overseas.
“When I learned he might be available we moved fast. He is a perfect age to bring back to the A-League and he can play in a number of positions.
“Like Ross he will be a welcome addition to the squad,” Mulvey said.
Central Coast Mariners Squad
Goalkeepers: Joe GAUCI, Ben KENNEDY, Adam PEARCE
Defenders: Jonathan ASPROPOTAMITIS, Kalifa CISSE, Jack CLISBY, Antony GOLEC, Jake McGING, Matthew MILLAR, Kye ROWLES
Midfielders: Adam BERRY, Tom HIARIEJ, Michael McGLINCHEY, Aiden O’NEILL, Jacob MELLING, Mario SHABOW
Attackers: Andrew HOOLE, Corey GAMEIRO, Peter KEKERIS, Connor PAIN, Josh MACDONALD, Jordan MURRAY, Ross MCCORMACK, Tommy OAR, Matt SIMON
