Central Coast captain Nick Montgomery is already eager for the new A-League campaign to begin.
Appearing before the media as the Mariners officially opened their preseason preparations, the 34-year-old spoke about how the club has already begun fixing the issues that saw them finish 2015-16 bottom of the ladder with just 13 points next to their names.
“We did have that balance wrong in terms of youth and experience, but I think this season with the signing of [Jacques] Faty and [Mickael] Tavares straight away there we’ve got a lot of games in the midfield and backline,” said Montgomery.
“[There’s] some great experience between them…we’re just delighted to have them in the squad, they are good professionals and that’s exactly what we need.”
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Along with the ex-Sydney FC duo, a busy start to the transfer period has also seen the Mariners welcome young goalkeeper Alastair Bray and forward Connor Pain.
“I think Connor Pain is a fantastic signing…to have him in that attacking sense either left or right, no doubt he is going to create a lot of chances for the likes of Roy [O’Donovan] and the other strikers,” said Montgomery.
“He’s dynamic, he’s in and around the box, watching him for the Victory over the last couple of years coming on as a sub – massive impact player – but I’m sure he will be coming here now and wanting to get in the starting lineup.”
Travelling back home to recover at the end of 2015-16, the veteran Englishman also spent time completing his UEFA coaching license after a two year process.
“[It was] something I wanted to do while I was still playing, it’s been a good education and a good learning curb,” said Montgomery.”
“That was hard graft…but I’m glad I did it now.”
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