Monday, March 10, 2008

Mariners swoop for Elrich

Central Coast Mariners have announced the signing of Ahmad Elrich on a two-year deal, with the winger hoping the switch will once again put him in Socceroos calculations after a frustrating few years

Our signing of Ahmad is another clear showing of our intent for season four," said Mariners executive chairman Lyall Gorman.

"While we're of course delighted with the on-field progress we made in season three, we want to go one step further in 2008/09 and by introducing a player and a person of Ahmad's quality to our line up, we are giving ourselves the best possible chance."

"We know as good as any club just how good Ahmad can be - we were on the receiving end of an absolutely stunning strike of his while in Wellington last year and we're hopeful and confident that he will be able to reproduce and surpass that level of quality in a yellow and navy shirt."

Elrich joins the club after a short spell with the Wellington Phoenix.

Capped by his country 17 times, the 26-year-old has also played for Busan I'Park, Fulham and FC Lyn Oslo after starting his career with Parramatta Power.

While he has not featured for the Socceroos since September 2006, Elrich has scored five international goals including a memorable match-winner against Iraq at Sydney's ANZ Stadium in March 2005 since his February 2004 debut against Venezuela.

He is the club's second signing for season four, joining fellow new boy Adrian Caceres at the Mariners - although the club have lost the services of John Aloisi (to Sydney FC) and Tom Pondeljak (to Melbourne Victory)

No comments: