The Central Coast Mariners are pleased to announce that New Zealand international right back Strom Roux has signed a one-year contract extension with the club, keeping him on the Central Coast until the end of the 2023/24 season.
The defender re-joined the Mariners last season after previously playing for the club between 2013 and 2018, returning after a three-year stint with Melbourne Victory.
Reuniting with the club that gave him his first start in the A-League, Roux made 18 appearances last season and scored the club’s first goal in a finals match since 2014.
Following a strong pre-season, the defender has hit the ground running this campaign, proving to be one of the standouts in the Mariners squad.
He has so far started seven matches in 2022/23, coming off the bench a further two times. This includes against Adelaide United last weekend, putting in 30 strong minutes despite still recovering from illness.
Since returning to the Mariners, Roux, who is one of the most experienced players in the side, was also selected to be a part of the All-Whites squad for the first time since 2019.
This marked a remarkable turnaround in fortunes since returning to the Coast under former teammate and now head coach Nick Montgomery.
He was a substitute in the second centenary match against Australia at Eden Park, marking his return to international football.
The versatile defender is delighted to be extending his second stint at the Central Coast Mariners.
“I am extremely excited. I have been at the club for a long time now and I love the club, the boys and what we have built here,” Roux said.
“This is home for me now, and everything about the club I love. I couldn’t think of anywhere else I would rather be.”
Mariners head coach Nick Montgomery spoke about his delight in having Roux’s position with the club confirmed for another season.
“When I brought Stormy back to the club, he was a player lacking belief and confidence after a difficult few seasons at Melbourne Victory. Having played alongside and captained Storm I know the qualities that he possesses but also the things that he needed to improve on, and he put in a lot of hard work,” Montgomery said.
“He has a beautiful son who lives on the Coast, and I know how important it is for him to be close to him. Storm is a very good player in the A-League and a great guy who I have a lot of time for.
“He is one of the most experienced players in the squad and is now becoming the leader I wanted on and off the pitch and the boys love him. He is a Mariner and deserves the extension. If he continues to perform and keeps the consistency, I have no doubt he can finish his career here with many good seasons ahead of him. I’m proud of him and he is a very important part of the squad.”
