Paul Okon has bolstered his midfield stocks with a second Dutchman, Wout Brama, who has signed a two year-contract with the Mariners from FC Utrecht, ahead of the A-League season.
Boasting over 300 games with Dutch powerhouses FC Twente and PEC Zwolle, Brama arrives on the Coast from FC Utrecht, who finished fourth in the 2016/17 Eredivisie. Brama has also featured for the Dutch National Team, debuting in 2009. The 30-year-old defensive midfi elder will play alongside fellow countryman, Tom Hiariej, whom he played with in 2008 for the Netherlands under 23’s national team.
Brama’s career started with FC Twente, where he earned club legend status for plying his trade with ‘The Tukkers’ for 16 years, which included an Eredivisie Championship during the 2009/10 campaign, and a KNVB Cup Crown in 2010/11. The 2010/11 KNVB Cup success was memorable for Brama, who scored just before half time. Brama’s spell with FC Twente continued where his side claimed two Dutch Super cups in 2011 and 2012. In the iconic blue and white of PEC Zwolle, Brama played alongside current Socceroo and former Mariner, Trent Sainsbury. Brama has high expectations for the A-League 2017/18 season and thinks his experience in the Eredivisie can help the Mariners to a fi nals fi nish. “For me it’s a great step, a big adventure to play abroad, so I am very excited to play there. “I spoke with Tom Hiariej when I heard from the Mariners, and he was very positive about the club, so I am really excited to come there, having another Dutchman there makes things a bit easier in the beginning as well. “I also spoke with Trent Sainsbury. “Man, he loves this club.
“He was very positive, spoke very highly about the way of living, so that also helped me to decide. “I want to have success with this club, I have a lot of experience in the Netherlands, so hopefully, I can help the younger players in the squad. “I am a real team player, I will never be selfi sh, I know Australians are hardworking, so I know I will fi t in well. “Under Coach Steve McClaren, we became Champions of the Netherlands, we played at the highest level, so that experience will help. “We played in the Europa League and the Champions League, and that’s more experience that I will bring.
“I’m a defensive midfielder, tactically strong”, Brauma said. Paul Okon was thrilled to secure his 11th recruit of the off-season. “Wout will add invaluable experience and leadership to our playing group and will no doubt be an asset to our team,” Okon said.
Source: Media release, Jul 29 Tyson Scott, Central Coast Mariners