Central Coast Mariners midfielder Matthew Osman will swap yellow and navy for the colours of new Hyundai A-League club Gold Coast United next season, but for now is absolutely focused on making his final months on the Central Coast memorable ones.
Central Coast Mariners midfielder Matthew Osman will swap yellow and navy for the colours of new Hyundai A-League club Gold Coast United next season, but for now is absolutely focused on making his final months on the Central Coast memorable ones.
Osman is one of ten foundation players still at the Mariners and his 71 competitive appearances in yellow and navy rank him among the ten most capped players to have worn the Mariners crest.
Mariners Members and supporters have come to expect unwavering commitment from one of their club-s most versatile talents and despite securing his playing future beyond the shores of the Central Coast, Osman has promised much of the same to conclude season four.
“Absolutely my focus is with the Mariners, hopefully we get a good result against the Queensland Roar on Saturday and cement our spot in the top four,” said Osman.
“Then we can look at the Finals Series and get some momentum ahead of the AFC Champions League.”
Given his pending move to the glitter strip, Osman will get a taste of his future derby encounters when the Mariners take on the Roar at Bluetongue Stadium on Saturday night.
One of a handful of players confirmed to have signed with the Gold Coast for the Hyundai A-League 2009/10 season, Osman will link with his new team-mates at the conclusion of the Mariners- AFC Champions League 2009 group stage campaign.
Until this move, however, Osman remains committed to the yellow and navy cause and has emphasised his desire to contribute to a successful Hyundai A-League Premiership defence on the Central Coast with a series of telling performances in recent weeks.
Most notably, the Mariners have lost only one match that Osman has started in season four and, of the three triumphs the Mariners have recorded in the past four weeks, Osman has contributed to every minute played.
“I love playing in the midfield, I-ve been playing there all year and I cherish the role I get to play there,” said Osman.
“I-m just happy that the team is playing well and getting points and we-re challenging for things – hopefully we can continue that and cement ourselves a spot in the top four.
“The Roar have got a lot of pace all over the park, they come at you and they work for the ninety minutes and they-re always busy.
“They-re going to be a tough opponent on Saturday and hopefully we can get three points against them at Bluetongue Stadium for the first time.”
The Mariners are back at Bluetongue Stadium on Saturday, 10 January when they host the Queensland Roar in Round 19 of the Hyundai A-League 2008/09 season. Kick off is at 7pm.
Tickets for this match are on sale from Ticketek outlets, from the Ticketek website – www.ticketek.com.au, or via phone on 132 849.
