The Central Coast Mariners have made a major signing coup, with the news that North Queensland Fury striker Daniel McBreen will be joining the club for two years from the start of the Hyundai A-League 2010/11 season.
The Central Coast Mariners have made a major signing coup, with the news that North Queensland Fury striker Daniel McBreen will be joining the club for two years from the start of the Hyundai A-League 2010/11 season.
“Daniel is an exciting addition to the squad for next season, and we look forward to him making a positive impact at the club.
“We have always selected players carefully and we believe Daniel is a good fit for the club. He grew up just up the road in Newcastle, and has an impressive record, which we hope will continue when he links up with us next season,” said Mariners Executive Chairman Lyall Gorman.
Born in Burnley in the North of England, McBreen migrated to Australia with his family when he was just six weeks old, and grew up in Newcastle-s Western Suburbs where he played his junior football for Edgeworth, before signing on with Newcastle United, for their inaugural National Soccer League campaign in 2000.
After scoring nine goals in his 36 appearances under Ian Crook at Newcastle, McBreen took up an offer with Romanian side FC Universitatea Craiova, before embarking on a six-year career in the English and Scottish leagues, most notably with Scottish Premier League side Falkirk, where he managed 21 goals in 64 appearances for the Bairns.
The now 32-year-old returned to Australia at the start of the current Hyundai A-League season to take up a deal with expansion club North Queensland Fury, scoring three goals so far this campaign, and impressing many with his performances alongside marquee striker Robbie Fowler.
“We-ve got a great goalscoring record this season, we-ve scored the third most goals of any club in the league, and I think Daniel can come in and help us in front of goal next year as well.
“He scored against us as well when we played the Fury at home so we know what he can do. We-ve got him for two seasons and he-s a good lad, he-s been doing well for the Fury, was good against Sydney at the weekend, and we-re looking forward to having him here,” said Mariners Football Manager Lawrie McKinna.
After seven years away, which yielded highlights such as a Scottish Cup semi final goal against Rangers at Hampden Park, and an FA Trophy final appearance at Wembley, McBreen is excited to be returning home.
“It-s good to get a two year contract because it gives you some stability, and you can set your mind on what you want to do, but to be at a good club is great as well,” said McBreen.
“It-s an established club which has done well in the past, and I-m really looking forward to getting there and being a part of it.
“I-ve got family in Sydney and Newcastle and obviously a lot of friends down there so it-s a bit like coming home, and my Mrs is really glad to be around those people as well, so it was a double whammy, it was good.
“It-s perfect for myself, I thought it was the best time to get down there and hopefully I can come down to the Mariners, score a few goals, and help the team do well.”
The Mariners- next home match of the Hyundai A-League 2009/10 season will be against Melbourne Victory on Saturday, 12 December. Kick-off is at 7:00pm. Tickets are available online here or by phoning 132 849.
Mariners Four Match Christmas Packs are available online by clicking here
