Central Coast Mariners has agreed to the transfer of treble winner and back-to-back Isuzu UTE A-League champion Jacob Farrell with English championship club Portsmouth for an undisclosed fee.
The 21-year-old is a born-and-bred Coastie, playing his junior football for Wyoming FC before moving into the Mariners’ Academy system at age 11.
After spending a number of years rising through the ranks, the defender made his first team debut in the then named FFA Cup against Blacktown City in November 2021.
Just eight days later, he burst onto the scene in his Isuzu UTE A-League debut, scoring a diving header before celebrating in front of our rapturous travelling fans to help the team secure a 2-1 win in Newcastle over the Jets.
From that day, Farrell was destined to become a Mariners legend.
He has since won back-to-back Isuzu UTE A-League Championships, a Premiership and an AFC Cup, represented Australia at Under 23s level, as well as being named as a starter in the 2023/24 PFA Team of the Year.
The 21-year-old helped the Mariners make the finals in his first league season, which ended with defeat in the elimination final, his only Isuzu UTE A-League finals loss in seven appearances.
In his second professional season, Farrell played a crucial role in the club winning its second championship.
Both starting and coming on as an impact substitute throughout the campaign, his influence was no greater than in the Isuzu UTE A-League grand final against Melbourne City.
Coming into the match in the 63rd minute with the Mariners leading 2-1, Farrell earned two penalties in the following 12 minutes, helping to propel the club to its historic 6-1 victory.
Farrell continued to develop even further after current head coach Mark Jackson joined the club with the 21-year-old being a vital part of the treble win.
The defender played every minute of both the AFC Cup and A-League final, while also scoring in the last game of the regular season against Adelaide to help the Mariners win the Premiers Plate.
Farrell leaves the club with four trophies, 92 total Mariners appearances and seven goals to his name.
Jackson thanked Farrell for his incredible service and contributions to the club, wishing him the best of luck as he steps into European football for the first time.
“Although we are disappointed to be losing someone of Jacob’s influence and quality, we are pleased that he is getting this opportunity overseas in a league like the Championship and at a club with the ambition of Portsmouth,” Jackson said.
“Faz has been a big part of this team for many years now.
“His season last year was a real standout for him on a personal note, his performances were of a high level, and he continued to grow and be part of a history-making team.
“Jacob will be sorely missed but we are happy that our players are getting opportunities overseas in strong leagues including the Championship, and that we are able to receive a fee in return.
“We wish him nothing but the best for the future.”
Farrell said he was extremely thankful and proud of his time at the club, thanking everyone in the Mariners family for their support and wishing them the best for the future.
“Growing up on the Central Coast, it has meant so much to me to play for this amazing club,” he said.
“I want to say a massive thank you to everyone at the Mariners who has helped me during my time from the academy right through to now.
“To be able to leave with two championships including the treble last season, these are memories that I will never forget and to be able to achieve them with my home club is something that I am extremely proud of.
“To the incredible fans who have supported me the whole time I have been a Mariner, thank you for everything. I wish everyone in the Mariners family the very best for the future.”