While there may have only been five rounds of the Hyundai A-League remaining when Jonathan Brown was finally given the green light to play for the Central Coast Mariners he was determined to make every second count.
While there may have only been five rounds of the Hyundai A-League remaining when Jonathan Brown was finally given the green light to play for the Central Coast Mariners he was determined to make every second count.
His short-term contract doubles as a glorified trial for the young Welshman, who is hoping to impress Mariners- Football Manager Lawrie McKinna and his coaching staff sufficiently enough to earn himself a more permanent home on the Central Coast.
“I-ve got to show a lot in five games really, and that-s what I really want, a new contract here so I have to work my hardest to get a new contract by the end of the season,” Brown said.
Brown made his debut appearance in the Yellow and Navy in the club-s scoreless National Youth League draw with Adelaide United in stifling conditions at Hindmarsh Stadium on Friday, impressing during his 62 minute cameo, despite not having played competitively for several months.
“It was brilliant to finally get out there. I-ve waited a long time for a visa to come through but I really enjoyed it. It was a hot day but I was just glad to be back out on the football pitch.
“The weather conditions were a bit different but I enjoyed it. It (Australia) is a nice place to play football.
“I got about an hour and it was the first time I had played in a few months so it was nice to get through it with no injuries or anything,” said Brown.
Brown is set to make his Bluetongue Stadium debut this Friday when the Mariners welcome top-of-the-table Gold Coast United for round 24 of the Hyundai A-League, whether or not he will feature in the must win clash for Lawrie McKinna-s men, or in Tony Walmsley-s Youth side as they aim to kick clear at the top, remains to be seen.
“Whatever the gaffer thinks I need. If it-s the Youth team I-ll put 100% in and hopefully I can work my way into the first team.
“We-ve (the Hyundai A-League team) had a couple of draws now, one after the other, but we really need to get that win now and hopefully win the last four games to get a chance to go into the finals,” Brown said.
The Mariners- next home match of the Hyundai A-League 2009/10 season will be against Gold Coast United on Friday, 22 January. Kick-off is at 8:00pm. Tickets are available online here or by phoning 132 849.
