Mariners sign midfield general

Central Coast Mariners have signed highly experienced defensive midfielder Nick Montgomery from Sheffield United.

Central Coast Mariners have signed highly experienced defensive midfielder Nick Montgomery from Sheffield United.

Montgomery, 30, is a Blades legend having progressed through the club-s youth ranks before making over 400 competitive appearances for Sheffield-s first team. He has played in the Barclays Premier League as well as extensively in England-s tough second tier, the nPower Championship.

Mariners boss Graham Arnold said he believes Montgomery is the perfect addition to his squad.

“All my contacts in the UK can-t speak highly enough of Nick Montgomery,” Arnold said.

“He is a winner, a leader, and having lost Alex Wilkinson and Matt Simon recently, I knew it was crucial that we brought in a player who can influence not only a game, but the group as well.”

“Nick-s pedigree speaks for itself and at 30 some of his strongest years of football are still in front of him. He is fit having undergone pre-season with Sheffield United and we look forward to him arriving on the Central Coast shortly.”

Meanwhile, Montgomery told Sheffield United-s official website he is looking forward to commencing with Central Coast.

"There were numerous options available," he said.

"I've turned down other offers and there was an enquiry from the MLS in America but both (wife) Josie and I have friends in Australia and this is a chance of a lifetime, amazing opportunity to experience something new."