Former English Premier League player Nick Montgomery has been named as the new head coach of A-League club Central Coast.
The ex-Sheffield United midfielder, who played for the Mariners between 2012 and 2017 after moving from England, replaces Alen Stajcic on a two-year deal.
Stajcic walked away from the club last month, after guiding the Mariners to a third-place finish and their first finals campaign in seven years.
Since retiring as a player, Montgomery has spent the past two seasons in charge of the Mariners' youth teams and has played a key role in the development of several youngsters at the club including Alou Kuol, Matt Hatch, Dan Hall and Jordan Smylie.
The 39-year-old said he was thrilled to be given the opportunity at senior level.
"I look forward to continuing my work with Ken (Schembri, Mariners head of football) and all the football staff in preparing a very competitive squad for next season," he said.
"I am delighted to have the core of last season's team already signed.
"We will look to bring in a few quality players and combine them with our core and youth to gives us a very competitive squad."
