The Central Coast Mariners are delighted to announce that Mark Jackson joins the Mariners as the club’s Football Manager.
The Englishman arrives at the Mariners having most recently managed Milton Keynes Dons, having developed as a coach through his time at Leeds United.
After a playing career spanning over 15 years that included stints with Leeds and Scunthorpe United while also playing four times for the Under 20’s English National Team, Jackson moved into football management.
Initially joining Leeds as an under 15’s coach, Jackson worked his way through the ranks, achieving extremely strong results across the club’s academy system.
He took over the Head Coach role for the newly promoted U23’s team as they moved into the Premier League 2 Division 2, earning promotion in his first campaign with the squad.
This success saw him move into the role of First Team Coach of Leeds United under Jesse Marsch, a position that he held until opting to move to Milton Keynes Dons as the Head Coach.
Jackson spent six months with the club before departing, now joining the Central Coast Mariners. The Englishman joins with the endorsement of former Head Coach Nick Montgomery.
Central Coast Mariners Sporting Director Matt Simon is pleased to have Jackson leading the team into the future, believing he will be a fantastic addition to the club.
“I’m really excited to welcome Mark to the club. After the very first conversation we had with Mark, it was very clear he is the right person to lead the club into the future,” Simon said.
“His experience and track record with youth development was a standout and fits in with exactly what we want to continue to do at the club.”
Central Coast Mariners Chairman Richard Peil is pleased to be able to announce the appointment of Jackson, excited for him to take the reins.
“With the departure of Monty and Sergio, the search for replacement leadership has taken centre stage. While we had a substantial number of applications from people around the world, Mark immediately showed that he is the perfect fit for our club,” Peil said.
“Having spent several seasons in youth development at Leeds United, many of which were under a World Class coach in Marcelo Bielsa, and with our focus on Youth Development, it was a no brainer when Mark put his hand up for the role. Mark will fit seamlessly into the community and is a great cultural fit for us as a club.”
Jackson spoke of his excitement to join the Mariners, as well as how he wants the team and club to continue to grow.
“I am proud and extremely excited to be joining the Central Coast Mariners. To be a part of a club with a community and family feel, that wants youth players to come in and that everyone on that pitch wants to give everything for is really nice and something that I want to see continue,” Jackson said.
“I want to play front foot football and dominate every part of the game. That is my philosophy, that is how I want my teams to play, and that is what I will bring to the Central Coast. The club is in a fantastic position, so I want to continue that good work and help the club grow and continue to move forward.”
