OLIVER Bozanic has signed a one-season contract extension with the Central Coast Mariners, ensuring he remains with Graham Arnold’s men until the completion of the 2013/14 Hyundai A-League campaign.
OLIVER Bozanic has inked a one-season contract extension with the Central Coast Mariners, ensuring he remains with Graham Arnold-s men until the completion of the 2013/14 Hyundai A-League campaign.
Born in Sydney but raised on the Central Coast, Bozanic has spent the last three seasons with the Mariners after he took the opportunity to return from England-s Reading FC in search of regular first team football.
The move has paid dividends for the versatile midfield gun, with the former Qantas Australian U23 skipper having played an impressive 77 times in all competitions since his return in mid-2010.
Bozanic also made two appearances for the yellow and navy in the 2006 Pre-Season Cup competition before making the switch to the United Kingdom with ‘The Royals-.
Bozanic said he is delighted to have confirmed his place on the Mariners- roster for season nine of Australia-s top flight.
“I am happy to be involved with the Club for another season,” he said. “It-s my local town and I love the Central Coast and I love being part of this team.”
By his own admission, Bozanic has had a stop-start campaign having suffered a number of unfortunate injuries prior to and during the season.
After recovering from a knee injury, the dynamic midfielder endured a head knock away to Newcastle Jets in round 10 resulting in concussion. Later, Bozanic dislocated his shoulder against Brisbane Roar at Suncorp Stadium.
Now edging closer to peak fitness, Bozanic is eager to make the most of the opportunity to contribute to the Club-s fortunes at the business end of the season.
“I-ve had a couple of injuries during the season,” he explained. “It doesn-t help your season but every time I-ve come in I-ve been happy to play every minute.”
“It was great to have a start on the weekend and get a great result, so I am just looking forward to the rest of the season now. We-ve got the finals coming up and the ACL (AFC Champions League).”
Central Coast Head Coach Graham Arnold said Bozanic has opted to remain at the Mariners despite the interest of several rival A-League Clubs.
“There-s no doubt there has been interest in Oliver from other Clubs,” Arnold said. “Naturally, we are delighted that he has committed to the Mariners for another season.”
“We certainly know what he is capable of, and at 24 we are convinced Oli-s best form is yet to come. He-s a player with big ambitions and goals for himself.”
Central Coast Mariners Chairman, Mr Peter Turnbull said: “Oliver is a fine ambassador not only for the football club but also for the Central Coast itself.”
“It is always great to have a local junior playing for the region-s professional club, and when you look at Oli-s performances and also his captaining of our Olympic team, we couldn-t be prouder in having him re-sign.”
Central Coast Mariners vs. Melbourne Heart – 2012/13 Hyundai A-League Round 27
Saturday 30 March, 2013
Bluetongue Stadium, Gosford
Kick-off: 5:30pm
Tickets: Please CLICK HERE to purchase tickets to the match.
Twitter: Join the match conversation on Twitter. The official hashtags are #CCMvMH & #SuperheroSaturday
