Central Coast Mariners: Tommy Oar to leave the club

The joy of Sunday night’s 3-2 win for the Central Coast Mariners has been clouded by news that another star player will be moving on at the end of the season.

The Central Coast Mariners celebrating a goal against Melbourne Victory. Picture: Tony Feder/Getty Images

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The blows keep coming for long-suffering Central Coast Mariners fans.

Twenty-four hours after the A-League club confirmed rising star Sam Silvera had flown out to train with MLS team Los Angeles FC in the United States, the Mariners confirmed Tommy Oar will leave the club at the end of the season to join expansion club Macarthur FC.

“Tommy has been open and transparent with us through the negotiation process, and informed us of his decision in recent days,” Mariners chief executive Shaun Mielekamp said.

“Tommy is a professional and as a Mariners player will continue to give 110 per cent each week through the rest of this season.”

Robbie Kruse of Melbourne Victory contests the ball with Tommy Oar of the Central Coast Mariners Picture: Getty Images

Oar has played in all but one of the Mariners games this season.

It has been a tough couple of days for Mariners fans after the excitement of the club’s comeback win over Melbourne Victory on Sunday.

Silvera, 19, was a late substitution in Sunday’s exciting 3-2 win for the Mariners over Melbourne Victory at Central Coast Stadium. He has played 11 matches for the club this season and has quickly become a fan favourite.

News of his overseas trip came to light when an LAFC trialist list was posted online on Tuesday morning, with the A-League club confirming the news hours later.

“The Mariners approved Silvera a short leave of absence from this week’s training to explore an opportunity with LAFC as the club proudly encourages players to pursue chances to further their careers to the highest possible level,” the statement read.

Samuel Silvera of the Mariners scores a goal during the Round 4 A-League match against Perth Glory on November 3, 2019. Picture: Gary Day

It is unclear whether Silvera will return to Australia in time to be considered for selection for the Mariners in Sunday’s away clash with Western United.

The club statement confirmed Silvera is “still contracted to the Mariners until 2022 and in respect of the process, neither club will be making any further comment unless advised”.

Meanwhile, in brighter news for the Mariners, young defender Lewis Miller has signed a professional contract with the club until 2022.

The Mariners’ seven day online auction of Matt Simon’s torn jersey continues to attract interest, with 57 bids since it was launched on Monday, with the leading bid in excess of $1500 by Wednesday afternoon.

Funds raised go to the Rural Fire Service – Central Coast Control Centre.