Sterjovski signs with A-League’s Mariners
Related coverage
Former Socceroo Mile Sterjovski will make his return to the A-League after agreeing to a one-year deal with the Central Coast Mariners.
Sterjovski, 33, cut short his stay with Chinese Super League outfit Dalian Aerbin and will arrive on the the Central Coast on Monday to formalise his deal, which includes a one-year option.
Sterjovski left Perth Glory in February for a 10-month deal with Dalian Aerbin but is leaving there by mutual consent after his family failed to settle in China.
He is said to be taking a big pay cut to join the Mariners.
Coach Graham Arnold knows Sterjovski well after working with him as assistant to Socceroos coach Guus Hiddink at the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
Arnold will play Sterjovski in an attacking role to fill he void left by the departures of John Sutton and Matt Simon.
“I’ve known Mile for a long time and he will bring a lot of quality and experience to our squad,” Arnold said.
“Mile knows where the back of the net is and I am looking forward to him getting some goals for the club.”
Arnold said the experience of the former Lille, FC Basel and Derby County player, who has 43 Australia caps, will prove beneficial to his young squad.
“Our squad has nine Australian players under the age of 22,” Arnold said.
“Mile’s experience in testing leagues overseas and with the Socceroos will help our young boys enormously.”
After Sterjovski joins the Mariners will have 22 of a possible 23 players contracted for the 2012/13 campaign, starting in October, with Arnold leaving one vacancy for the time being.
© AAP 2013The Crowd Says (9) | Page 1 of Comments
Have Your Say
- Explore:
- A-League, Central Coast Mariners, football, Football, Mile Sterjovski
July 8th 2012 @ 10:12am
Midfielder said | July 8th 2012 @ 10:12am | Report comment
GA said … ””“Our squad has nine Australian players under the age of 22,”"”
Of these seven are under 21, with one player 23 & two 24…
Mile will bring some experience to the squad… Mile will be a great signing. Arnie’s bang on, we do need some pedigree and quality next to our youngsters. It will help them lift and grow and if he’s a good guy, I think that alone is massive…. Mile has not had anywhere near the level of service he will get out of Rosey, Pedj Weemac, Olly and Rogic since he’s come to the HAL…
Young players tend to be tired out by the level of focus required to play against men in professional leagues for 90 – it’s not just the physical aspects of fitness…. Mile will help in this aspect
Then there is our secret … our academy continues to produce and we lost three to other clubs this year with MV, WSW taking them. but we kept
Anthony Caceres (u21) Midfielder something special very very special
Jimmy Oates (u21) Defender Right side also something special
Mitchell Duke (u21) Striker similar player to Matty Simon..
Zac Anderson (u21) Central Defender or Def Mid [from the GC
July 8th 2012 @ 12:17pm
Brick Tamlin of the Pants Party said | July 8th 2012 @ 12:17pm | Report comment
I have mixed feelings about Mile and his time at the Glory,he played a massive part in our resurgance last season but before that he was very average.When hes flying hes as good as any wide player in the league.
July 8th 2012 @ 1:38pm
Bondy said | July 8th 2012 @ 1:38pm | Report comment
A welcome’d edition to the squad.
July 9th 2012 @ 9:48am
Nathan of Perth said | July 9th 2012 @ 9:48am | Report comment
Wut.
July 9th 2012 @ 5:35pm
tonysalerno said | July 9th 2012 @ 5:35pm | Report comment
Everyone knew it was coming, a good signing for the Mariners and a great addition to their defence.
July 11th 2012 @ 11:56am
Chips Rafferty said | July 11th 2012 @ 11:56am | Report comment
Welcome to (overdue) moderation. Try contributing, not trolling/baiting/adding nothing of value. Thanks, Roar Mods.
July 11th 2012 @ 12:05pm
Fussball ist unser leben said | July 11th 2012 @ 12:05pm | Report comment
July 11th 2012 @ 12:23pm
Bondy said | July 11th 2012 @ 12:23pm | Report comment
Fake x afl is that you again.
July 11th 2012 @ 12:55pm
Chips Rafferty said | July 11th 2012 @ 12:55pm | Report comment
I used to coach one or two of the boys up there at Gosford.
I thought the two bob suburban bloggers on the Roar would want to know the opinions about a player expressed by a former clipboard carrier?
He could possibly be keeping my ex prodigies pulling splinters from where the sun doesn’t shine, from sitting on the pine.