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.
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