The Central Coast Mariners can today confirm the signing coup of goalkeeper, Mark Birighitti who joins the Club ahead of the Hyundai A-League 2019/20 season.
Putting pen-to-paper on a one-year-deal, Birighitti arrives on the Central Coast with a wealth of experience having appeared in the Eredivisie with NAC Breda after his time with Swansea City.
Known to Australian football fans for his acrobatic efforts in the Hyundai A-League, the 28-year-old has 85 appearances in Australia’s top flight with Adelaide United and the Newcastle Jets.
It was that form in the Hyundai A-League that saw Birighitti proudly don the Socceroos’ badge in 2013 against China. The Perth born shot-stopper has also represented Australia at U17, U20 & U23 levels.
This season, it's for the badge.
2019-20 Memberships are now on sale to the general public!
Join the family ➡️ https://t.co/YywmGvXG0h pic.twitter.com/ZlKqz6nYRI
— Central Coast Mariners (@CCMariners) August 1, 2019
Reuniting with Central Coast Mariners Goalkeeping Coach Jess Vanstrattan, Birighitti says that he can’t wait to arrive and get started on the Central Coast.
“This is a fantastic opportunity, I’m buzzing and I can’t wait to join the Mariners,” Birighitti said. “I’ve spoken with the coaching staff and it seems like a perfect fit – their plan enticed me, it’s a historical club an ambitious club and getting the Mariners back to where they should be, is something I want to be a part of.
“I’ve worked with Jess [Vanstrattan] before and he’s one of the best goalkeeping coaches I’ve ever worked with. Knowing that he’s at the club played a big part in my decision.
“The Mariners are a family club, I’ve heard that it’s a great playing group they’ve got there, a really tight group. We want to be successful and that’s why I am here.
“My main objective now is to work hard during the pre-season, have a great season and help the Mariners get back on that pedestal,” Birighitti said.
A huge thank you to the 3000 strong crowd who braved the conditions in Maitland to experience the #MagicOfTheCup! ?
We're through to the Round of 16: https://t.co/Ca5woZbRRC #MAIvCCM #CCMFC #FFACup pic.twitter.com/feVYnoK21Y
— Central Coast Mariners (@CCMariners) July 31, 2019
Head Coach Alen Stajcic welcomed Birighitti and touched on the importance of competition for places.
“We’re really excited to bring Mark to the club,” Stajcic said. “Successful teams have competition for places across the board and that’s no different in the goalkeeping ranks. We want the keepers to be pushing each other day in, day out.
“Mark’s CV speaks for itself. He has national team experience, played overseas in Holland, England and Italy, so we know what he’s capable of.
“We look forward to welcoming Mark on his first day and continuing our pre-season preparations,” Stajcic said.
Birighitti will commence training at the Central Coast Mariners Centre of Excellence next week.
