The Central Coast Mariners have agreed to terms with two of the region’s most exciting young talents – foundation squad member and defender Nigel Boogaard, and locally raised striker Matt Simon.

Both players were exceptional at the recent Philips Lighting Soccer 7’s in Hong Kong, with Boogaard starting all of the Mariners’ six matches and Simon claiming the tournament Golden Boot award with four goals – two of which were scored against eventual champions Aston Villa.

Boogaard’s re-signing and Simon’s introduction to the Mariners’ line up completes Mariners Football Manager Lawrie McKinna’s senior squad component for season three, with McKinna opting for a 22-man playing roster for 2007/08.

Only two players under the age of 20 are required for the Mariners to complete their squad for their third Hyundai A-League campaign.

"Nigel and Matt exemplify all that we stand for at the Mariners," said Mariners Executive Chairman Lyall Gorman.

"Behind the scenes, Nigel has been outstanding in his promotion of the club at a grass roots level, somewhat consequential of his luckless situation with illness and injury, but also because of his fantastic work ethic and desire to do what is best for our club.

"Matt’s story is a unique one, as he joined our squad without pay from the beginning of the Hyundai A-League 2006/07 season so to prove his value to our coaching staff and we’re delighted to be able to reward him with his first professional contract.

"No one deserves these contracts more than Nigel and Matt, but all sentiment aside, in these two players we have acquired some exceptional talents that I’m confident will feature prominently and tellingly for us in season three."

Boogaard is one of 13 members of the Mariners’ foundation 20-man line up to have been awarded a place in the Central Coast’s squad for 2007/08.

Boogaard’s previous campaigns at Bluetongue Central Coast Stadium have been littered with unfortunate illness and injury setbacks, which have restricted the 20-year-old to only one appearance off the bench, totalling one minute of game time, in two years.

Most recently, Boogaard has been an integral part of the Central Coast Lightning’s NSW Winter Super League charge, netting three goals and proving pivotal to the Lightning’s impressive defensive record, which is second only to competition leaders the Bonnyrigg White Eagles.

Prior to joining the Mariners, Boogaard made several international appearances for Australia’s Under 17’s selection – the Joeys, including two at the 2003 FIFA Under 17 World Cup in Finland.

Of the same generation as established Hyundai A-League talents Adrian Leijer (Melbourne Victory), Kristian Sarkies (Adelaide United) and Jacob Timpano (Sydney FC), Boogaard is expected to feature heavily for the Mariners in 2007/08, as he re-stakes his claims for further international honours.
Simon, 21, is another with experience in yellow and navy, albeit on a short-term basis last season.

Simon made three Hyundai A-League appearances from the bench in 2006/07 in the Mariners’ final regular season matches.

Having debuted against northern rivals the Newcastle Jets in front of 14,828 spectators at EnergyAustralia Stadium in Round 19, Simon went on to enjoy 30 and 45 minute cameos against the New Zealand Knights and Adelaide United respectively in the final two rounds.

Standing at 188 centremetres, equal with fellow Mariners’ marksman Nik Mrdja, Simon’s pace and raw ability presents Football Manager Lawrie McKinna with an idyllic option to complement Mrdja and newly acquired Socceroo striker Sasho Petrovski.

One of five Central Coast locals set to line up for the Mariners in season three, Simon played his junior years at Wyoming before moving to cross-town rivals East Gosford as a senior.

Simon has been a regular feature of the Central Coast representative scene since 2006, and has most recently starred for the Central Coast Lightning throughout their current NSW Winter Super League campaign, netting eight goals in thirteen matches – over a third of the Lightning’s total goals.

Somewhat interestingly and in contradiction to the strikers’ norm, Simon has elected to the wear the number two jersey in 2007/08, having worn 24 previously for his hometown club.
"With these signings, we’re a step closer to finalising our playing roster for season three, and, at this stage, I would say that there is a tremendous cause for optimism for our Members looking ahead to the Hyundai A-League 2007/08," said Gorman.
"Lawrie McKinna and I agree, this is the strongest squad we’ve ever assembled at the Mariners and we can’t wait to get started."
Both Boogaard and Simon will be on show tomorrow, Wednesday, 13 June, when the Mariners take on NSW State League Division 1 leaders Spirit FC at Christie Park. Kick off is at 7.45pm.

The Mariners’ Academy squad for 17 and 18-year-olds will make their first competitive appearance in the lead up to tomorrow’s match when they take on Spirit FC’s Under 20’s line up. Kick off at 5.30pm.

All proceeds from the match will be donated to the Sydney Children’s Hospital, in support of their Gold Week campaign.

Mariners Memberships for the Hyundai A-League 2007/08 season are now available for purchase online at www.ccmariners.com.au, or from Rebel Sports outlets at Erina and Tuggerah.

Supplementary Information

Nigel Boogaard
Date of Birth 14 August 1986
Height 188cm
Weight 80kg

Playing History
2002/03 – Newcastle United (Australia)
2003/04 – Newcastle United (Australia)
2004/05 – Central Coast Lightning (New South Wales)
2005/06 – Central Coast Mariners (Australia)
2006/07 – Central Coast Mariners (Australia)
2007 – Central Coast Lightning (New South Wales)

Matt Simon
Date of Birth 22 January 1986
Height 188cm
Weight 79kg

Playing History
2006 – Central Coast Lightning (New South Wales)
2006/07 – Central Coast Mariners (Australia)
2007 – Central Coast Lightning (New South Wales)