A-League gets much-needed star power after hellish season as former Socceroo returns home

Former Socceroos defender Trent Sainsbury has returned to Central Coast Mariners, more than 10 years after leaving the Gosford club.

Sainsbury, 32, has signed a three-year contract with the reigning A-League champions and three-time winners after leaving Qatari club Al-Wakrah.

“I am absolutely thrilled to be returning to the Central Coast,” said Sainsbury, who has also attracted interest from Sydney FC.

‘For me, coming back here was always an option, a moment to complete the circle after making my professional debut for the club.

‘What the team achieved last season was incredible, a fantastic treble, and I can’t wait to strengthen the club and the squad as much as possible.

‘It’s going to be an important season and I’m prepared to give everything to help the Mariners win more trophies.’

Trent Sainsbury has his eye on the ball during his first spell at the Central Coast Mariners

Sainsbury made 69 appearances in all competitions for the Mariners before signing for Dutch club PEC Zwolle in January 2014.

In addition to Zwolle and Al-Wakrah, the central defender played for six other clubs during his much-travelled period abroad: Jiangsu (China), Inter (Italy), Grasshoppers (Switzerland), PSV Eindhoven (Netherlands), Maccabi Haifa (Israel) and KV Kortrijk (Belgium).

Sainsbury also made 58 appearances for the Socceroos between 2014 and 2022.

Mariners manager Mark Jackson said the club was “absolutely delighted to welcome this signing”.

“We welcome Trent back to the club where it all began for him as a professional footballer,” said Jackson.

“He is someone who has played at the highest level, has a lot of experience in the game and is a real leader on the pitch. He is exactly what we need in the group.

“I’m sure everyone in the Mariners family will be thrilled to have Trent as part of the team.”