LOYAL midfielder John Hutchinson has today been named Captain of the Central Coast Mariners.
New Mariners Captain John Hutchinson (right), and Vice-Captain Patrick Zwaanswijk (left)
LOYAL midfielder John Hutchinson has today been named Captain of the Central Coast Mariners.
A long-time servant of the Club, Hutchinson was announced as the Mariners new skipper at the teams 2012 Fan Day held at the Central Coast Mariners Centre of Excellence in Tuggerah.
Dutch defender Patrick Zwaanswijk has been appointed as the teams Vice-Captain, with the two senior players spearheading a leadership group consisting of Daniel McBreen, Joshua Rose, and Mile Sterjovski.
In front of some of the Club-s most ardent supporters, Maltese international Hutchinson spoke of his delight to lead the Club he loves in season 8 of Australia-s top flight.
“-Wilko- (Alex Wilkinson) was a true Club man, a champion of a guy and he led the team on and off the park,” Hutchinson said.
“They-re big boots to fill but if I can fill them half way I will do a good job.”
“I found out last night off ‘Arnie’ (Graham Arnold). I-m very honoured to become the Club Captain.”
“It hasn-t sunk in yet. I went home last night and spoke to my mum and dad, and my wife. It-s a good feeling and I-m just looking forward to having a good season with the Club,” he said.
Mariners Head Coach Graham Arnold had been pondering which player should skipper Central Coast in the A-League since the departure of stoic defender Alex Wilkinson to Jeonbuk Hyundai in July.
After a number of months of consideration, Arnold said he believes Hutchinson is the right choice to wear the armband this campaign.
“I believe it is a natural decision,” Arnold said. “John Hutchinson has been at this Club since day one, he typifies the Mariners culture and he helps keep our culture going.”
“John does a lot of work on and off the field, and contributes to the Club in ways that a lot of people don-t see.”
“He especially helps our younger players,” he said.
Central Coast Mariners commence their 2012/13 Hyundai A-League season away to Western Sydney Wanderers next Saturday 6 October at Parramatta Stadium. Kick-off is 7:45pm.
The Club-s first home game is on Sunday 14 October against Perth Glory at Bluetongue Central Coast Stadium. Kick-off is 5pm.
Tickets for both matches are available from Ticketek.
