It’s the end of an era.
Former Central Coast Mariners coach Nick Montgomery has penned an open letter to club members and fans following his withdrawal to lead a Scottish football club.
Montgomery’s departure was announced by the Central Coast Mariners late yesterday (Monday, September 11, 2023) with the championship winning coach moving to Scottish club Hibernian.
Nick Montgomery joined the club 11 years ago and led the Central Coast Mariners to the A-League Men’s Championship title last season as coach.
In an open letter to members and fans of the Central Coast club, Montgomery thanked everyone involved in his time at the helm.
“Eleven years ago, I arrived on the Central Coast with my family, and I didn’t know what to expect. What I found was a beautiful place and community to match,” Montgomery said.
“I will never forget the support the fans have given me and my family. I am so happy I could deliver that trophy back to the Coast, for them and for the community. Together as one family we made what people thought was impossible, possible.”
Montgomery also said it’s time for a new chapter for the club.
“It’s time for a new chapter, but you will always be in my heart, and I will be supporting from afar,” Montgomery wrote.
Central Coast Mariners club legend and Sporting Director Matt Simon thanked Montgomery – and Assistant Coach Sergio Raimundo, who will also be departing the Mariners for Hibernian – for everything they’ve done for the club.
“I would like to start by personally thanking Monty and Sergio for everything they have done for me and the club,” Simon said.
“We have been inundated with interest from all over the world for the vacant position of Head Coach of the Central Coast Mariners. We have already been speaking to potential candidates we believe will help to continue the club’s trajectory.”
Simon said the Central Coast Mariners understand the importance of appointing the right coach for the club.
“Everyone at the club knows and understands how important this next appointment of a Head Coach is, and we want to ensure that we make the right decision for the long term,” Simon said.
“This job is the most sought after in the A-League, and we will continue to work hard behind the scenes to make sure that the right candidate is selected to lead us forward into the future.”
Mariners Men’s Academy NPL First Grade coach Abbas Saad has been moved into the role of Interim Head Coach and will hold the position until a permanent replacement for Montgomery is selected.
The Central Coast Mariners A-League Men’s side will commence their title defence on Friday, October 20, 2023, against Adelaide United in Adelaide.
The Liberty Women’s A-League side will commence their first season back in the league against the Newcastle Jets on Saturday, October 14, 2023, at home at Industree Group Stadium.
Listen via the Star 104.5 Player, download it now via the App Store or Google Play and take Star 104.5 wherever you go.
Images: Central Coast Mariners
By Bek Lougher
