Versatile left sided player Matt Sim will be part of the Central Coast Mariners’ tenth Hyundai A-League season after he penned a one-season contract extension with the Club on Friday – his 26th Birthday.
Versatile left sided player Matt Sim will be part of the Central Coast Mariners- tenth Hyundai A-League season after he penned a one-season contract extension with the Club on Friday – his 26th Birthday.
Sim-s perfect Birthday present comes after he linked with the yellow and navy in February this year on an initial four-month loan deal from Sutherland Sharks of the National Premier League NSW Mens 1 competition.
Since arriving on the Central Coast Sim has made the most of his opportunities in the Hyundai A-League and AFC Champions League, and impressed the Club-s coaching staff with his development and application in training.
Today Sim explained that he is delighted to have finalised his stay with the Mariners for a further year.
“When ‘Mossy- [Head Coach Phil Moss] came to me a few weeks ago and said that the Club was going to give me a new deal I was very, very happy,” Sim said. “It-s been a big step up for me from the State League and I have enjoyed every minute of it. I am very happy with the new contract.”
Transitioning from semi-pro State Leaguer to a full-time Hyundai A-League footballer is not something all players can deal with, and Sim admitted that the past few months have been physically demanding.
Nevertheless, the former Manly United mainstay knows he will now have the opportunity to undertake a full professional pre-season to fine-tune his fitness.
“You-ve definitely got to step up the intensity from State League,” he said. “Obviously training every day your body has to get used to it. I have enjoyed it [but] it-s been hard at time because I-ve had to get used to the speed. I am looking forward to a full pre-season and next year as well.”
Central Coast Mariners boss Phil Moss said that like Glen Trifiro – who joined the Mariners from Sydney United 58 – Sim had taken his opportunity to advance from the State League to Hyundai A-League with both hands.
“It is fantastic to see players make the step up, and like Glen, Matt has put in some great performances, sometimes in pressure situations,” Moss said. “Now we are looking forward to seeing what he-s capable of achieving once he has a full pre-season under his belt.”
Moss also thanked Sim-s previous two Clubs, Sutherland Sharks and Manly United.
“Everyone at the Central Coast Mariners appreciates the understanding of Robbie Stanton and his Club, Sutherland Sharks,” he said. “Matt was a key signing for the Sharks for their 2014 campaign, but they have been only too happy to support his wish to play at the highest level possible.”
“Also Manly United put a lot of development work into Matt over the years, so their effort and support in his progress should also be noted.”
“Matt Sim is another example of what can be achieve if you commit to your dream, believe in yourself, stay motivated, and work hard,” Moss concluded.
Central Coast Mariners will take on Adelaide United at Central Coast Stadium on Saturday in a sudden death Hyundai A-League Finals Series clash. Kick-off is at 4:30pm.
Central Coast Mariners vs. Adelaide United – 2014 Hyundai A-League Finals Series
When: Saturday 19 April 2014
Where: Central Coast Stadium, Gosford
Kick-off: 4:30pm
Tickets: www.A-League.com/Tickets
Twitter: Join the match conversation on Twitter using #ALeagueFinals
TV: Live on FOX SPORTS & delayed on SBS TWO
