Josh Rose farewells Central Coast to join Melbourne City

Josh Rose farewells Central Coast to join Melbourne City

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Central Coast has announced that veteran defender Josh Rose has officially left Gosford Park to join A-League rivals Melbourne City.

Speaking at the Central Coast Mariners Centre of Excellence, Rose emotionally said goodbye to the side that had not just shaped his football career, but his life off the pitch as well.

“I’m sad to be leaving this club that I’ve been a part of for six seasons now but really excited for my new adventure.

“This club is like a second home to me really: the fans, the boys in the dressing room are like my family.

“I can’t count how many times my wife has told me over the last six seasons that I love the club more than my own family, she’s probably not far off, she’s not right but she’s probably not far off.”‘

Signing to Gosford Park in 2010 on an initial two-year deal, Rose would go on to play over 160 games in the yellow shirt, yet believes it is now time he lets the younger players have a chance to forge their own such legacies.

“I probably haven’t had the best 12 months, football wise for myself but things in football can change pretty quick and at the end of the day this is the best decision for myself and the club.

“The last thing I want to do as an experienced senior player is limit the playing time of any junior and young Mickey Neill has come along in leaps and bounds and is really making that left back spot his own.

Recalling his best memories of playing at Gosford, the 34-year-old could not look past the Mariners’ A-League Championship triumph in 2013.

“The group of boys we had that season were incredible, we went through some tough times that season with financial difficulties but it all grouped us and to win the Championship through out that turmoil topped it all off,” said Rose.

“I think that the Grand Final parade was probably the highlight for me, it was a fantastic day and I know that every player enjoyed that and the support from all of the fans.”

The defender will open a new chapter in his career with glamour side Melbourne City, who have signed Rose on a one-year deal.

“I honestly believe that this is the best decision for myself and the club, I leave with no resentment, no hard feelings, the Mariners have been fantastic for me and when this opportunity came up the club helped me in the best way possible,” said Rose.

“The Central Coast is a massive part of our lives, if I ever had the opportunity to come back as a player or something else to help this club than that would be a fantastic opportunity but football is a funny game and you never know what’s around the corner.

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