- The Australian competition has been struggling financially
- The number of people attending meetings is decreasing as the code progresses
- The new signing is a positive boost for the A-League
Former Socceroos defender Trent Sainsbury has returned to the Central Coast Mariners more than 10 years after leaving the Gosford-based club.
Sainsbury, 32, has signed a three-year contract with the reigning A-League champions and treble winners after parting ways with Qatari club Al-Wakrah.
“I’m super excited to be returning to the Central Coast,” said Sainsbury, who was also scouted by Sydney FC.
‘Coming back here was always an option for me, it was a real moment of closing a circle after having made my professional debut at the club.
‘What the team achieved last season was incredible, an amazing treble, and I can’t wait to contribute what I can to the club and the team.
“It’s going to be a great season and I’m ready to give it my all to help the Mariners win more titles.”
Trent Sainsbury looks at the ball during his first spell with the Central Coast Mariners
Sainsbury made 69 appearances in all competitions for the Mariners before signing for Dutch club PEC Zwolle in January 2014.
In addition to Zwolle and Al-Wakrah, the centre-back played for six other clubs – Jiangsu (China), Inter (Italy), Grasshoppers (Switzerland), PSV Eindhoven (Netherlands), Maccabi Haifa (Israel) and KV Kortrijk (Belgium) – during his extensive stay abroad.
Sainsbury also made 58 appearances for the Socceroos between 2014 and 2022.
Mariners manager Mark Jackson said the club was “absolutely delighted to complete this signing.”
“We welcome Trent back to the club where it all began for him as a professional footballer,” Jackson said.
“He’s someone who has played at the highest level, has a wealth of experience in the game and is a true leader on the pitch. He’s exactly what we need in the group.”
“I’m sure everyone in the Mariners family will be delighted to see Trent as part of the team.”