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.
Chips Rafferty
Guest
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.
Bondy
Guest
Fake x afl is that you again.
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
Chips Rafferty
Guest
Welcome to (overdue) moderation. Try contributing, not trolling/baiting/adding nothing of value. Thanks, Roar Mods.
tonysalerno
Roar Guru
Everyone knew it was coming, a good signing for the Mariners and a great addition to their defence.
Nathan of Perth
Guest
Wut.
Bondy
Guest
A welcome'd edition to the squad.
Brick Tamlin of the Pants Party
Guest
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.
Midfielder
Guest
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