The Central Coast Mariners playing squad for the Hyundai A-League 2010/11 season is continuing to take shape, following the signing of former North Queensland Fury midfielder Rostyn Griffiths on a two year deal, taking him through until the end of the Hyundai A-League 2011/12 season.
The Central Coast Mariners playing squad for the Hyundai A-League 2010/11 season is continuing to take shape, following the signing of former North Queensland Fury midfielder Rostyn Griffiths on a two year deal, taking him through until the end of the Hyundai A-League 2011/12 season.
“Graham Arnold and the coaching staff has been working hard to identify key talent both here in Australia and overseas, and Rostyn arrives with a strong football pedigree,” said Mariners Executive Chairman Lyall Gorman.
“We look forward keenly to the contribution we hope Rostyn will make to the Mariners, both on and off the field.”
Griffiths, born in England-s industrial north but raised in Western Australia, began his professional career by signing with English Premier League giant Blackburn in 2006, before stints with then Scottish Premier League side Gretna, as well as Accrington Stanley and Adelaide United, before ultimately linking with the Fury.
Ironically, Griffiths has appeared in Mariners colours previously, trialling during a pre-season tour to Queensland last July.
“Rostyn is a really good signing for us. I was impressed with him at North Queensland Fury, especially as a central defender. He can also play defensive midfield but every time he has played central defence they have kept a clean sheet.
“He-s a natural defensive midfielder so he-s very good on the ball but his positioning we will work on him tactically, but I think Mariners supporters will se a lot from him,” said Mariners Head Coach Graham Arnold.
“Lawrie and I both watched him closely throughout the season and he-s been very impressive. He-s tall, he-s strong, and he can play in a number of positions. He is solid in defence but can get forward as well, and hopefully he-ll prove very useful for us next season.”
The 22-year-old says he liked what he saw from his brief stint with the Yellow and Navy, and is keen to rekindle the association.
“It-s a really well run club, and being around the boys on trial last year was a great experience so it-ll be nice to go back there.
“I-m thankful to the Fury for my time there, but this is a good opportunity for me, and I-m looking forward to working under Graham Arnold and hopefully helping the Mariners to some silverware,” said Griffiths.
