The Central Coast Mariners have reached an agreement to sign 24-year-old Cy Goddard on a two-year deal.
Goddard spent last season playing for the side that won the Indian Super League, Mumbai City FC.
He was an integral part of the Mumbai team that made Indian football history by winning both the league winners shield and ISL trophy in the same season.
Goddard grew up in London and was part of the Tottenham Hotspur academy from a young age, prior to playing in the Indian Super League.
He progressed through the academy from the age of seven and made appearances for the U18, U21 and U23 teams, before leaving the UK and settling down in Italy with Benevento.
Goddard holds UK and Japanese passports and has also represented Japan at youth level and spoke of the delight in settling to life in Australia.
“I am so excited to land in Australia and get started,” he said.
“Hopefully we can have a good season and I can play an integral role, which in turn helps the Mariners achieve their season goals.”
Mariners Head Coach, Nick Montgomery, spoke of the eagerness to get Goddard involved in the squad for the upcoming season, as the Japanese midfielder had been recommended by overseas contacts.
“I have been in consultation with Cy many times since we first indicated our interest in bringing him to the Coast, and in every conversation, he has impressed me with both his character and his positive mindset,” he said.
“Cy is a very talented footballer and one who I think will look right at home in the A-League.”
Goddard will join up with the squad after completing his mandatory two-week hotel quarantine and Mariners Head of Football, Ken Schembri, highlighted what he can bring to an already talented squad.
“The Tottenham academy has produced a wealth of talent over the years, and we are confident that Cy will be a great asset to our roster,” he said.
“He is a talented wide attacking midfield player and his task is to provide our front men with quality attacking moments.
“Cy brings with him an impressive CV of international experience and he will create strong competition for spots among the squad.”
Source:
Media release, Aug 20
Central Coast Mariners