Central Coast Mariners can this afternoon confirm that the Club’s respected Head of Sports Science Andrew Clark will follow Graham Arnold to Japan to work for Vegalta Sendai.
Central Coast Mariners can this afternoon confirm that the Club-s respected Head of Sports Science Andrew Clark will follow Graham Arnold to Japan to work for Vegalta Sendai.
As a foundation Mariners player and strength and conditioning guru, Clark has served his hometown Club with distinction and pride since 2005.
With Arnold recently inking a deal to mentor the J.League outfit, Clark has been recruited by his former Mariners colleague to assist him over the next two seasons in the land of the rising sun.
Today Clark said the challenge of working in Asia-s top domestic league is something he is extremely excited about.
“In the past I have been offered the chance to work at other sporting clubs in Australia, but to be frank I have never wanted to work at any other sporting club in Australia,” Clark said. “This opportunity takes me to another level, and gives me the chance to chase my dream of working at the highest standard I can in the football world.”
“My respect, loyalty and love for the Mariners doesn-t stop because I-m leaving. The Mariners will always be my team and as a group we are so proud of what we have achieved. Arnie and I will do our best in Sendai, and back in Australia the Mariners will be in capable hands with Phil Moss, John Crawley and Wayne O-Sullivan.”
“While first and foremost this is a career opportunity, it is also a great opportunity to live in a new culture along with my beautiful wife and two young daughters. It will be an amazing experience for all of us.”
Central Coast Mariners Head Coach Phil Moss said that Clark will depart the Club with the blessing of management, staff, players and fans.
“Andrew Clark has been a great contributor to the success of the Central Coast Mariners since year one,” Moss said. “As much as anyone Andrew epitomises what the Mariners are all about, and we know local people think extremely highly of him.”
“Clarky is a very ambitious person, so a move to the J.League takes him to another level in his career. We hope he can help Graham achieve success with Sendai, and will be watching their progress keenly.”
Clark will continue working with Central Coast until Hyundai A-League 2013/14 round 10 when the Mariners travel to the city of churches to take on Adelaide United. He will then enjoy a brief break before jetting to Japan in January to commence life with the 2012 J.League Runner Up.
“In keeping with the Mariners- philosophy there is a succession plan in place, and Andrew-s replacement will be appointed following round 10 in Adelaide,” Moss concluded.
