Home-coming Chris Harold ready to roar against Brisbane

Playing for his future, Central Coast Mariners forward Chris Harold has called for a second A-League team in Brisbane on the eve of his return to his home city to take on Roar.

Central Coast’s season is effectively over, but Mariners attacker Chris Harold is playing for his future on Friday night at Suncorp Stadium.

The Brisbane State High School graduate left Perth Glory after eight years during January’s transfer window to sign with the struggling Mariners until the end of the season.

It was tough personally on Harold, who moved east without his wife Francesca and baby daughter Matilda in the hope of securing his young family’s long-term future.

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“It was never easy to say goodbye but the way things had gone for me at Perth Glory in the past 18 months, I knew that something had to change,” said Harold, who made just four appearances for the Glory from the start of last season until his recent departure.

“The fact I’ve moved over to the Mariners and started playing football again, it’s really reinvigorated my football career, but I’m waiting to see what the future holds before I uproot my family from their life in Perth.

“It’s never settling not knowing where you’re going to be in six months’ time, but for me, I’m looking at it from the point of view that I’m putting myself on show, and I’m playing for my next contract, so I have a lot to play for.”

Chris Harold has settled in well at the Central Coast Mariners despite the club’s struggles.

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Harold has already scored twice in just five appearances for the last-placed Mariners, who are hoping to avoid a ninth-straight defeat when they meet the in-form Roar.

“It’s been great playing in the A-League again and showing people that I still have a lot to give. I want to help this team moving forward, which I think I can,” he said.

Harold, who was born in Perth but grew up in Brisbane, will have plenty of family and friends in the crowd on Friday.

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“It’s always nice coming back to Brisbane seeing them and playing in front of them,” said the 27-year-old former Gold Coast United forward.

“Me and a lot of the other guys who played for Gold Coast were really disappointed when things didn’t work out there because it had such potential.

Chris Harold has a frustrating end to his stint with Perth Glory.

“From a very biased point of view, I think it would be great to have another A-League team in Brisbane.

“There is a big enough footballing culture in that part of Australia for it to thrive, and derbies are always an exciting prospect within the league.

“It’s always a nice thought, the prospect of playing for your hometown club.

“You’ve got to keep your options open. If opportunities present themselves, it’s about picking the right one that’s best suited for me and my position at that time.”