Central Coast Mariners National Youth League Captain Panny Nikas has today been rewarded for a stellar season to date, with a full-time deal at the club until the end of the season.
Central Coast Mariners National Youth League Captain Panny Nikas has today been rewarded for a stellar season to date, with a full-time deal at the club until the end of the season.
It-s a double dose of good news for the club heading into Saturday night-s home match against Melbourne Victory at Bluetongue Stadium, following the news Daniel McBreen will join the club from North Queensland Fury for two seasons from 2010/11.
Nikas, who has scored eight goals in 10 matches this season, will join Lawrie McKinna-s first team squad for the remainder of the Hyundai A-League 2009/10 campaign, and will be available for selection for this Saturday-s Round 18 clash against Melbourne Victory at Bluetongue Stadium.
“Our National Youth League side is sitting on top of the ladder after 14 rounds and Panny has been a big part of its success,” said Mariners Executive Chairman Lyall Gorman.
“This opportunity is just reward for a player of Panny-s calibre, and we look forward to him not only contributing to the team, but also learning a lot off the senior players as he continues to develop.”
Nikas- signing comes after the club agreed to the mutual termination of David D-Apuzzo-s deal, after the young left back opted to focus on studying for a law degree.
“Panny has been outstanding in the Youth, scored a lot of goals, and week in week out he is one of their best players,” said Football Manager Lawrie McKinna.
“With David deciding to take a break, it-s worked out well for Panny, he-ll come in and train full time with the first team squad, and we expect him to get better.”
Nikas has been a revelation this NYL campaign, and has seen him continue on with his amazing form in 2009, which saw him score an amazing 22 goals from midfield for Sutherland Sharks, to help lead his team to Telechoice NSW Premier League Grand Final glory.
“I was out shopping when (Youth League coach) Tony (Walmsley) called me, so I was pretty wrapped when I got the phone call,” said Nikas.
“I-m just trying to do my best in the youth league and every time I-ve been called into training I-ve tried to work to the levels that the boys are working at, because they are going pretty well.”
The Mariners- next home match of the Hyundai A-League 2009/10 season will be against Melbourne Victory on Saturday, 12 December. Kick-off is at 7:00pm. Tickets are available online here or by phoning 132 849.
Mariners Four Match Christmas Packs are available online by clicking here
