Tough-tackling Scottish defender Ziggy Gordon has joined Central Coast Mariners, vowing to do everything he can to help the club become an improved force in the Hyundai A-League.
Gordon has signed a one-year deal with the Mariners having played the majority of his career with Scottish Premier League side Hamilton Academical, where he made more than 250 appearances.
The 26-year-old also featured for Partick Thistle in more than seven year's in Scotland's top-flight, while also spending time with Jagiellonia Białystok & Pogoń Siedlce in Poland.
“I had a lot of interest from clubs in Poland, England and other teams in Scotland but after speaking with Alen about two months ago, I really liked the person that he was,” Gordon told the Mariners' official website.
“From the first conversation we had, I think he is a really honest and legitimate person who I could trust right away.
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“I believe in his plans and his strategy for next season, and that’s something that never seemed to stray far away from my thoughts. Even when I was talking to other clubs, something about Alen and the Central Coast Mariners kept appealing to me.
"I thought this was the right time, and the right project to be involved with. I’m not willing to play for a team who isn’t striving to move up from the bottom of the table."
Gordon is set to arrive in Gosford early next week as the Mariners step-up preparations for the 2019/20 Season.
The experienced defender believes that he can contribute a lot to a young Mariners squad, both on and off the pitch.
“I’ve only just turned 26 and already played over 250 games of top-level football. I think I bring a strong mentality with me, as well as leadership skills on and off the pitch," he said.
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“A sense of standard needs to be kept by all players and the club, and I hope to bring that as well as my commitment. I’m a 100% player – I know a lot of players say that, but that’s the least that should be expected. It’s something for me that I strive towards in every single training session and match, to give my absolute best.
“Last season I had the most tackles won in the Scottish Premier League so I’m definitely there to win the ball back and to give it to the players who can do something more special than I can."
Ziggy Gordon in action against Celtic in the SPL
Mariners boss Alen Stajcic added: "To bring someone with that wealth of experience is going to be a great boost to our lineup. He is a natural leader, and holds high standards for himself and those around him.
"His commitment to Hamilton over the years shows a great sense of loyalty, and he certainly shows a great fighting spirit on the field.
"Ziggy is a very smart footballer, and his leadership qualities will be invaluable to our young boys, and help the team move up the ladder this season."
Current Mariners squad
Jack CLISBY, Daniel DE SILVA, Giancarlo GALLIFUOCO, Ziggy GORDON, Jai INGHAM, Abraham MAJOK, Michael MCGLINCHEY, Jacob MELLING, Jordan MURRAY, Joshua NISBET, Tommy OAR, Adam PEARCE (GK), Kye ROWLES, Mario SHABOW, Samuel SILVERA, Matt SIMON, Ruon TONGYIK