Central Coast Mariners have strengthened their goalkeeping stocks for the Hyundai A-League 2014-15 season by signing a pre-contract agreement with former custodian Matthew Nash for a period of two years.
Nash, who was a member of the Mariners’ squad under Lawrie McKinna from 2008 to 2009, will re-join the yellow and navy in September following the completion of his commitments with Bonnyrigg White Eagles in the 2014 National Premier Leagues New South Wales competition.
The 33-year-old custodian has played with four Hyundai A-League clubs in the past, commencing life in Australia’s top flight with the Mariners, spending a brief period on loan with Adelaide United (2008), and linking with Newcastle Jets (2010 to 2012) and Sydney FC (2012 to 2013).
Nash, who has also represented several clubs in NSW State Leagues said he’s delighted that he will be back on the books of the Mariners soon.
“It’s great to be back here. I am very, very excited to be back with the Mariners,” he said.
“From the first day I walked in here, everyone has made me feel welcome and it’s really just a great bunch of guys. The whole setup here is very professional and I couldn’t be happier.”
Central Coast Mariners goalkeeping coach and analyst, John Crawley, has coached Nash since he was 15, and believes he possesses the qualities necessary to excel at the Club.
“Matt is a great communicator, reads the game well, is great in one-on-one situations, and has a good distribution game, so he ticks a lot of the boxes that we look for in our goalkeepers,” Crawley said.
“With Matt’s addition we will benefit in a number of ways. Firstly, alongside Liam Reddy he offers us another great option between the sticks, and secondly, we will be utilising his knowledge and expertise with our National Youth League squad goalkeepers in helping them progress through the ranks.”
“We really are blessed to have someone like him coming into the Club,” Crawley concluded.
