Versatile midfielder Glen Trifiro will remain with the Central Coast Mariners until the completion of the Hyundai A-League 2016/17 season after he finalised a two-season contract extension with the Club on Wednesday.
Trifiro, 25, arrived at Central Coast Stadium in February this year and has since impressed the Mariners’ coaching staff, his teammates and fans not only with his ability on the field, but his professional, holistic approach to the game.
As Central Coast Mariners boss Phil Moss continues to construct a squad he believes is capable of challenging the Hyundai A-League’s best for domestic honours over the coming years, Trifiro is among the first players to recommit to the Club’s vision to secure success, silverware, and regular qualification for the AFC Champions League.
“I have made it clear that over the next three years we are building a new team, and there’s no doubting that Glen is a big part of our plans,” Moss said. “He’s a wonderful professional, and the way he comes in and goes about his work with great application daily is to be commended.”
Technically and tactically adept, Trifiro – known to his teammates as ‘Tricky’ – has played the majority of his football for the Club this campaign as a ten, however Moss knows that the former Sydney United 58 schemer has plenty of strings to his bow, and can be deployed elsewhere in his side’s engine room if and when required.
“He [Trifiro] offers us a lot of flexibility in midfield, “ Moss added. “He’s a very effective player, he’s technically very good and he’s shown how deadly he can be from set-piece situations.”
“We have a lot competition in the squad for the three midfield spots that he can play, so what’s impressive for me is that whether Tricky starts or comes off the bench he adds value to the game, he influences the game.”
“He’s also one of the guys in the squad that’s at an in-between age – he’s not a young boy, but he’s not a senior player. For me that’s a positive because he acts as a link, if you like, between the youngsters coming through and our more established players.”
“Glen’s ticked every box that I’ve put in front of him since he’s come in, and I’m delighted he has committed to the football club for another two years,” Moss concluded.
Having secured his playing future through to mid-2017, Trifiro said it is now his responsibility to pay back the faith that the Mariners and Moss have instilled in him.
“When ‘Mossy’ [Phil Moss] spoke with me initially about an extension I was very happy,” Trifiro said. “I only joined the Club earlier this year, so to be given an extension quite soon, I was thrilled.”
“As soon as it sunk in I began setting new goals. I feel my best football is in front of me, and my aim is to establish myself as a first eleven player and have an effect on games.”
“I am confident I can perform at this level and I am excited to be representing the Mariners for the next two seasons.”
Trifiro, who has played his football in a variety of destinations across Australia in the past, is embracing life on the Coast, and says the Club’s family and community culture sit well with him.
“Life on the Coast is great,” he said. “My partner and I enjoy living on the Central Coast, because we enjoy being outdoors and obviously the Coast is a very beautiful place. It’s [the Mariners] a very family orientated Club, and that’s important to us.”
