The Central Coast Mariners can today confirm that after 10 years of service, Goalkeeping Coach & Video Analyst John Crawley will part ways with the Yellow & Navy.
Crawley’s departure has also paved the way for the retirement of Mariners’ goalkeeper Matthew Nash to take up the role of Goalkeeping Coach for the Hyundai A-League 2015/16 season.
‘JC’ as he is affectionately known, joined the Mariners in the lead up to the inaugural season of the Hyundai A-League as first choice goalkeeper but due to injury he moved into a coaching role where he became renowned as Australia’s best eye for up and coming glove-men.
Fostering the talents of Danny Vukovic, Mathew Ryan, Andrew Redmayne and bringing out the best in Liam Reddy have since earned Crawley the chance to ply his trade with Aurelio Vidmar’s Olyroos amongst Mariners commitments where he has excelled on the international scale.
Beyond his role as a Goalkeeping Coach, ‘JC’ has also been crucial to the Mariners tactical approach with video analysis that has helped build the success under Lawrie McKinna, Graham Arnold, Phil Moss and most recently Tony Walmsley.
Crawley departs the Central Coast Mariners with nothing but praise for the legacy he leaves that includes a Hyundai A-League Championship and five AFC Champions League campaigns
“JC has been a great servant over the 10 years as a player, coach and analyst. He’s a very professional operator with a strong skill set and deserves to prosper in future,” Head Coach Tony Walmsley said.
“He’s built his career at the Mariners and while Mathew Ryan will stand out as his greatest success, he will be fondly remembered by everyone.”
Nash, who has featured, as a player for the Central Coast Mariners, Newcastle Jets and Sydney FC commenced his role as Goalkeeping Coach this week and Walmsley is confident that he is the right man for the job.
“I’m delighted that Nashy has taken the opportunity to move into a coaching role. He’s been coaching elite keepers for a long time and took on some work while JC was on international duty,” Walmsley said
“The decision to retire from playing is not an easy one, but these opportunities are rare.
“Nashy is a great character, he’s professional and has the respect of the playing group and with so many changes it was important to recruit someone we know and trust,” Walmsley said.
The Central Coast Mariners wish John Crawley the best with his future endeavours.
