Central Coast Mariners midfielder Josh Nisbet has signed a two-year contract extension which ties him to the club until 2024.
Nisbet, 22, has become a fan favourite in Gosford after working through the ranks of the Mariners academy and breaking into the senior squad, making his first team debut in 2019 against Newcastle Jets.
He’s since clocked nearly 70 appearances for Central Coast in the Isuzu UTE A-League, featuring prominently under both Alen Stajcic in 2020-21 and new head coach Nick Montgomery the following campaign.
A versatile player with an unbreakable work ethic, Nisbet has become a flag-bearer for the Mariners’ club ethos: a young, homegrown player with uncapped potential helping the club exceed expectations in recent seasons.
“It’s great to commit to another two years with the Mariners as I really enjoy playing my football here as well as living on the Coast,” Nisbet said in a statement released by the club.
“I want to thank Monty (Montgomery) and Serg (assistant coach Sergio Raimundo) for all that they have done in my development so far and I am excited to see what we can achieve in the next two years.
“I also want to say a special thank you to the fans, members and staff who continue to support myself and the team, and I am looking forward to playing in front of you once again.”
Nisbet’s contract extension comes as the Mariners midfielder partakes in Australia’s AFC U23 Asian Cup campaign in Uzbekistan.
The Olyroos are unbeaten after two games, and face Jordan tonight (kick-off 11pm AEST) in a Group B clash at Lokomotiv Stadium Tashkent.
Mariners head coach Montgomery expressed his pride in Nisbet representing the club on the international stage.
“Josh has been a great asset to our team this season and we can only see his value increasing in the coming years,” Montgomery said.
“Both myself and the rest of the coaching staff are relishing the chance to work with Josh again and nurture his ability even further.
“It brings us great joy at the club to see him getting the recognition that he deserves with a call-up to the Australian U23 squad, and we hope that he can continue to inspire many with his never say die
attitude.”
The contract extensions continued on Tuesday with 28-year-old midfielder Rai Marchan extending his Melbourne Victory stay by two seasons.
The Spaniard commits to Tony Popovic’s side after an impressive debut campaign, contributing to Victory’s climb from bottom in 2020-21 to second and the semi-finals in 2021-22.
In a statement released by the club, Marchan said: “I have loved my time at Melbourne Victory so far and I can’t wait to spend another season under the Boss and with the boys,” Marchan said.
“This season has seen some challenges with injuries and short turn arounds but the time I’ve spent on the pitch with the team and with the Club has been excellent and I can’t wait for it to continue.
“The fans have been incredible to me this season and I can’t wait to be back at AAMI Park in front of the best fans in the league.”
