Central Coast Mariners striker Sasho Petrovski will complete the 2009 Hyundai A-League Finals Series in Mariners colours before swapping yellow and navy for the gold of the Newcastle Jets in time for the start of the AFC Champions League 2009.
Central Coast Mariners striker Sasho Petrovski will complete the 2009 Hyundai A-League Finals Series in Mariners colours before swapping yellow and navy for the gold of the Newcastle Jets in time for the start of the AFC Champions League 2009.
Petrovski, 33, joined the Mariners ahead of their Hyundai A-League 2007/08 Premiership winning season, where he starred up front to claim the club-s Golden Boot prize – the third consecutive campaign that Petrovski had won such an honour in the Hyundai A-League.
In season four, Petrovski has found the back of the net a further six times in the Hyundai A-League from 16 starts and four substitute appearances to earn second place on the Central Coast-s all-time top goal scorers chart.
Following thorough and detailed negotiations with the Mariners, Petrovski-s desire for long-term security in Australia-s top-flight football competition has paved the way for a move to the northern tip of the F3 freeway, where Petrovski will link with the Mariners- northern rivals upon the completion of the yellow and navy-s third Finals Series campaign.
“It-s unfortunate to say goodbye to any player that has worn the Mariners crest and Sasho has certainly represented the Mariners with distinction throughout his two years with us and, I-m certain that he will do so again throughout the Finals Series if given the chance,” said Mariners Executive Chairman Lyall Gorman.
“We-ve been delighted by Sasho-s contribution to the Mariners on and off the field since he and his family arrived on the Central Coast in 2007 and can only reflect on his time with us in a most positive fashion.
“As Sasho-s contract with the Mariners was drawing to a close, it was clear to us that what the player wanted and what the club wanted were different, but we-re very happy for Sasho that he has been able to secure the contract terms and contract length that he was after with the Jets.”
Petrovski-s Hyundai A-League debut for the Mariners against former club Sydney FC is one enduring memory that the former Qantas Socceroo will leave with Mariners Members and supporters – a timely season opening goal at the Sydney Football Stadium that would set the Mariners on their path to their greatest domestic success to date.
Petrovski-s brace against his soon to be team-mates in last season-s Finals Series were two more of his finest in yellow and navy, where to date he has registered 16 goals from 49 competitive fixtures.
“I-m firstly grateful to the Newcastle Jets for allowing me an opportunity to extend my Hyundai A-League career, but also thankful to everyone at the Mariners for their support over the past two seasons,” said Petrovski.
“I-ve thoroughly enjoyed my time on the Central Coast, the support from my team-mates has been first class and it-s been an honour to achieve all that I have for the Mariners in front of the club-s tremendous group of Members and supporters.
“My commitment to the Mariners will continue for the remainder of the Finals Series, where I can assure the club-s Members and supporters and my team-mates that I will be giving 100% in order to qualify for the Grand Final and finish off my Mariners career with the Championship trophy.”
The Mariners- third Finals Series campaign will begin with a blockbuster clash against the Queensland Roar in the Minor Semi Final – 1st Leg at Bluetongue Stadium on Friday, 6 February. Kick off is at 8pm.
Tickets for this match are available from Ticketek outlets, from the Ticketek website – www.ticketek.com.au, or via phone on 132 849.
