Matt Sim is the second Central Coast Mariners player to re-commit to the club within the space of a week, with the talented 26-year-old utility putting pen to paper on a one-season contract extension on Monday.
Hot on the heels of Glen Trifiro’s two-season contract extension announced last week, the club can confirm that another of its first team squad members has been retained.
Sim’s new contract will keep the former Manly United star at the Mariners through to the completion of the 2015/16 Hyundai A-League campaign.
While Sim has already contributed purposefully to the first team since linking with the yellow and navy in February this year, Central Coast Mariners boss Phil Moss believes there is plenty of improvement left in the first man to net four goals in a Westfield FFA Cup match.
“‘Simmy’ [Sim] has made the step up to the Hyundai A-League level very successfully since joining us earlier in the year,” Moss said. “He offers us great versatility and can play in many positions, and this of course gives us all important competition for places.”
“Matt certainly fits the culture of the club – he’s a hard worker and an honest guy. Central Coast Mariners has long been a club of opportunity, and I want players and staff who are hungry to seize their chance, and keep striving to better themselves, the team, and the club.”
“While Matt’s already taken his opportunity with both hands we believe he has a lot of scope for improvement. Simmy’s preparedness to work hard is why we feel we can bring the best out of him over the next 18 months.”
Sim said he’s delighted to have extended his deal with the club, and that he feels the future for the Mariners in the Hyundai A-League is bright.
“It’s an exciting time to be part of the Mariners,” Sim said. “We are always working hard and striving to play well, so I am happy to stick around at a club like Central Coast.”
“There have been a lot of changes at the club this year, and this includes players and staff. ‘Mossy’ [Moss] has said that it’s a new cycle for the club, and it’s going to take time for the players to gel together.”
“But we are working hard and gaining experience playing together, so I don’t think we are far off putting some good results together and hopefully climbing the table.”
Sim also spoke about his versatility on the field, and said that he will be watching Tuesday night’s Westfield FFA Cup Final between Adelaide United and Perth Glory with interest.
Thanks to the four goals Sim scored in the club’s Quarter-Final clash with Palm Beach Sharks, plus the goal he netted in the Round of 16 against Olympic FC, Sim stands a chance to finish equal top of the inaugural Westfield FFA Cup goal scoring charts.
But he will have to rely on Andy Keogh (Glory), Nebojša Marinković (Glory), and Sergio Cirio (Adelaide) not netting in the Final.
“On the weekend I had to play at right back, which is something I haven’t done before,” he said. “But I am happy to play wherever the team needs me. When I get my chance, I’ll play my best for the team.”
“It would be great to finish equal top scorer in the first ever Westfield FFA Cup, but we’ll have to see what happens in the Final,” Sim concluded.
