FOOTBALL
The Central Coast Mariners have re-signed attacker Sam Silvera after two years away, with other key players from last season also confirmed to stay.
Since making his professional debut with the Mariners in 2019, playing a year in Portuguese League football under contract with first tier team FC Paços de Ferreira, and returning to the A-League with the Newcastle Jets, Silvera has now signed a three-year contract on the Central Coast.
“I am really happy to be back home for the next three seasons and I am looking forward to playing under Monty (Nick Montgomery) & Serg (Sergio Raimundo – Assistant Coach),” Silvera said.
“I know they can help take my game to the next level and seeing what they have done with young players at the club, I know this is the right move for me.
“I had a lot of good memories from my time here and I am grateful to the Mariners for giving me my professional debut. The club has built strong foundations over the last couple of seasons and I am ready to excite the fans once more.”
Returning to the Coast has also reunited Silvera with Head Coach Monty, who joined the club as Academy Coach in 2019.
“Sam is a very talented attacker who can play multiple positions across the front third and can contribute by creating and scoring goals,” Monty said.
“His time in Portugal has matured him as a player and last season, he showed what he can do at this level with limited game time.”
“Now he is back where he belongs, I think he has unfinished business and we are delighted to have attained his transfer from Paços, as we feel he can be a real asset for us moving forward.”
In the Mariners’ attacking third, Silvera will play alongside Jason Cummings and Beni N’Kololo, both of whom have extended their contracts up to 2024. The club have also confirmed contract extensions for midfielder Max Balard, defenders Dan Hall and Storm Roux, and goalkeeper Yaren Sozer.
Haakon Barry