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June 13, 2013
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Ryan’s transfer to Club Brugge complete
Rogic takes part in Socceroo win
Central Coast Mariners Media
he Jan Br eydelstadion is the new home of goalkeeper Mathew Ryan after the 21-year-old custodian completed his transfer from the Central Coast Mariners to Belgian Pro League heavyweights Club Brugge on Thursday, May 30.
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After flying to Europe earlier in the week to undergo a medical, Ryan put an end to speculation surrounding his playing future by penning a three-season contract with the Blue and Blacks. Ryan becomes the third summer signing for Club Brugge, with the Club’s Sporting Director Arnar Grétarsson labelling the twotime NAB Young Football of the Year as a goalkeeper with “huge potential”. “He [Ryan] has been playing three years for the Australian top team Central Coast Mariners,” Grétarsson said. “Despite his young age he has gathered a lot of experience and he has been elected twice as best goalkeeper of Australia. “This year he has celebrated the title with his team in the A-League. ‘Another asset of Ryan is his attitude and mindset.” Despite Ryan being due to come off contract two days after his signing, the Mariners still managed to negotiate a sizeable transfer
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ormer Central Coast Mariner Tom Rogic was part of the Qantas Socceroo squad that defeated Jordan 4-0 on Tuesday, June 11 in Melbourne.
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Photo: John Dewberry
fee for the 2013 Hyundai A-League Championship winner. The Club has confirmed the transfer also included a sell-on clause. Central Coast Mariners Group general manager Mr Peter Turnbull thanked Ryan for his exemplary service to the Mariners. “Today is a proud day for our Football Club,” Turnbull said. “Club Brugge are one of the most respected Clubs in Europe. “They have a long, proud history and a strong record, like us, of taking players to the next level in their
careers. “We commend Mathew for his effort, professionalism and performances while at the Mariners and wish him great success in the Belgian Pro League and with the Qantas Socceroos in the future.” Ryan joins a distinguished list of former Australian internationals to have played with the 13-time Belgian Champions. Current Sydney FC Head Coach, Frank Farina, and Qantas Young Socceroos mentor, Paul Okon, both spent fruitful spells in West Flanders.
Tom Rogic was given an opportunity when coach Holger Osiek sent him on as a substitute for Brett Holman in the final 10 minutes of the match. Rogic had an immediate impact when he headed the ball to team captain, Lucas Neil who in turn scored the fourth goal for Australia and Lucas Neil’s first for his country, Rogic also showed his ball dribbling skills when he was able to skirt around opposition players to create chances around the box. After the match, Rogic said: “The match probably had the perfect outcome”. “That’s my first game at home so, to get on the park in front of the Australian crowd is very pleasing and I’m happy to get any game time. “I think we dominated the game from start to finish and I think the result showed that. “We got through the game 4-0; a clean sheet with no yellow cards picked up, so I
Photo: John Dewberry
think on all accounts, it was a very good result for us. “But in saying that, it was only half the job for us and we have a very big game next week,” said Rogic. The Socceroos are now on ten points standing second in their group, but need to do well against Iraq in Sydney on Tuesday night to ensure direct qualification for the World Cup in Brazil in
2014. “It’s a massive game, but at the same time, it’s just another game of football. “I think we have a good combination of experience and youth to see us through these matches. “So I think everyone is preparing quite well and it’s only the start of what is a very big week,” he said.