Central Coast Mariners today finalised their goalkeeper stocks for the Hyundai A-League 2013/14 season with experienced and imposing custodian Liam Reddy officially joining the Club on a one-season deal.
Central Coast Mariners today finalised their goalkeeper stocks for the Hyundai A-League 2013/14 season with experienced and imposing custodian Liam Reddy officially joining the Club on a one-season deal.
Reddy, 32, will battle to become the Mariners- first-choice custodian alongside 28-year-old gloveman Justin Pasfield throughout the Club-s Hyundai A-League Championship defence.
At a media opportunity in Gosford this morning Reddy expressed gratitude that Central Coast Mariners – and in particular the Club-s astute Head Coach Graham Arnold and respected goalkeeping mentor John Crawley – had provided him with the opportunity to recommence life as a professional footballer.
“I acknowledge that I have made mistakes in my life and football career, and as such I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Mariners for providing me the chance to make amends and prove that I still have plenty to offer the Hyundai A-League,” Reddy said.
“This is my last opportunity to play at the elite level in Australia and I intend to make the most of it. I have a zero-tolerance contract at the Club, and give my guarantee that I will work hard to not only win over the fans but repay the faith that Graham (Arnold), John (Crawley) and the Mariners have shown in me.”
While Reddy-s indirections on and off the pitch are documented, Central Coast Mariners boss Arnold said the shot-stopper deserved another crack in Australia-s top flight.
“Central Coast Mariners are a Club of opportunity,” Arnold said. “At this Club we believe in second chances and Liam has trained extremely well over the past two weeks to earn his contract with us.”
“His task now is to continue to demonstrate the professionalism and maturity he has shown over the past 12 months in order to validate our decision. Put simply, if we didn-t believe he will do that and that he can add to our Club from a football perspective we wouldn-t have signed him.”
Reddy said he has been made to feel welcome at his new Club by teammates, and the Mariners- football and administration staff.
“In the short time that I have spent training with Central Coast it has become clear to me that the Mariners possesses a culture unlike any A-League Club I have played at before,” he said.
“Everyone has been welcoming, and when the supporters get the chance to see that I am committed to working hard with John (Crawley) and Justin (Pasfield) in order to help the team win matches, I believe they will come to accept me too.”
This year Reddy played for Sydney United in the New South Wales Premier League. His other former senior Clubs include Esteghlal Tehran (Iran), Sydney FC, Wellington Phoenix, Brisbane Roar, Newcastle Jets, and Parramatta Power.
