Central Coast Mariners has confirmed the departure of Johnny Warren Medallist Josh Nisbet with the midfielder leaving the club at the conclusion of his contract to pursue overseas footballing opportunities.
Despite the Mariners attempting to secure one of our star players on an upgraded new deal, the 25-year-old has expressed his desire for a new challenge abroad.
First moving to the Central Coast from Queensland to join the academy system in 2017, Nisbet now leaves the Mariners as a club legend having won four trophies and numerous individual accolades across his 145 appearances.
He made his professional debut against Adelaide United in the then named FFA Cup in August 2018, before making his A-League debut in the F3 Derby in 2019.
Nisbet became a midfield mainstay during the back-half of the 2019/20 season, a position he would not let go of during the following four campaigns.
His 145 appearances in yellow and navy see him sitting ninth on the Mariners all-time appearances table, with 124 of those coming in the Isuzu UTE A-league.
After multiple seasons of strong performances, the midfielder finally began to get the recognition he deserved during the 2022/23 campaign, being named in the PFA Team of the Year for the first time.
He also collected the Mariners Medal to go along with an A-League Championship.
His 23/24 season saw him become one of the very best players in the A-League, playing a pivotal role in Mariners securing a historic treble, missing just 28 minutes all season across 44 total games.
As a result of his performances, Nisbet became a Socceroo, making his debut against Lebanon in March, the first of his two caps to date.
He secured the Johnny Warren Medal as the Isuzu UTE A-League’s best player, won two PFA Player of the Month awards, was again named in the PFA Team of the Year and finished the league season with the most assists.
While the Mariners did all it could to keep one of its star players, including offering him a new upgraded deal, Nisbet said he was eager to test himself overseas as he looked for new challenges.
“The time has come to explore opportunities overseas and bid farewell to this amazing club and region,” he said.
“Over the past seven years, I’ve had the pleasure to create memories with you all that will forever be cherished.
“To my coaches, teammates, and backroom staff, I’d like to take this moment to thank you for the friendships and development over the years.
“We’ve achieved some remarkable accomplishments which can never be taken away.
“To the loyal fans who have never once doubted me since my debut; this club is incredible but the support and love this community shows for the Mariners is what makes it so special.
“We are a family bonded together to achieve inspirational things.
“Thank you, Coasties.”
While Central Coast Mariners Head Coach Mark Jackson said he was disappointed to be losing the midfielder, he wished Nisbet the very best as he sought challenges abroad and looked forward to seeing his career continue to flourish.
“We would like to thank Nizzy for his immense contribution to what we achieved last season,” Jackson said.
“He was a massive part of the team with his performances and commitment both on and off the field.
“Since joining the Mariners Academy in 2017, his service to the club has been second to none, and we thank him for that.
“While we are disappointed to not be able to work with him next season, and as a club we tried to keep him, we know that he has a really strong ambition to play overseas, and we respect that.
“Everyone at the club wishes him the best for the future, we know that he will go from strength to strength, and I look forward to watching his career and where it goes when he moves overseas.”