After culling three players earlier today, Central Coast have moved quickly to continue their squad rebuild, adding former Sydney FC defender Jacques Faty on a one-year contract.
The Senegalese was released by the Sky Blues on Monday in a move that is said to have been mutually agreed to, and he has now made his way north to link up with the besieged Mariners.
And now, Faty will be assigned the unenviable task of leading a rejigged Mariners defence. Central Coast conceded a massive 70 goals in the 2015-16 season, ending the campaign with a goal difference of -37 and just 13 points.
NEW SIGNING ?? Welcome to the #CCMFC family, @JacquesFaty! https://t.co/XChQkQCEem pic.twitter.com/sJD3N8CKj0
— #CCMFC (@CCMariners) April 11, 2016
However, speaking upon his arrival at Central Coast Stadium, Faty said he is welcoming the challenge of rebuilding a battered back line.
“I have a big challenge next season,” Faty said.
“I have ambitions to be in the (top) six of the league.
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“The young players here will be more experienced next season and I think we will bring in even more experienced players so we will have the potential to be in the finals.
“You can see the motivation of the Central Coast Mariners, that’s why I’m here. You can see what they’ve invested for the future and I want to be a part of this future, I want success with the Mariners.
“I have experience because I’ve played in Turkey and France so of course I am very interested to try and teach the young players, I really want to succeed with the Mariners because they deserve it.”
Manager Tony Walmsley lauded his new signing, saying he “fitted the bill perfectly”.
“If you’re looking for a player that can give us immediate impact and growth on the pitch, Jacques fits the bill. He’s got composure, he’s got presence.
“His distribution at the back is fantastic … he’s got lots of experience, he’s athletic, in great knick.
“To get him out of Sydney FC, having recently played in a grand final for them, you’re getting a player at the top of his game.”
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