Central Coast Mariners bolster attack with signing of Ross McCormack and Tommy Oar

CENTRAL Coast have landed Ross McCormack and Tommy Oar to bolster their attacking stocks a month out from their A-League season opener.

Ross McCormack of City celebrates after he scores a goal, during the round 10 A-League match between Melbourne City and the Central Coast Mariners at AAMI park in Melbourne, Sunday, December 10, 2017. (AAP Image/Joe Castro) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY

CENTRAL Coast have made a huge statement of intent, signing Ross McCormack and Tommy Oar to bolster their attacking stocks for the coming A-League season. McCormack joins the Mariners on a season-long loan deal from Aston Villa, while fringe Socceroos winger Oar has penned a two-year contract.

They are two of the biggest recruitment moves the A-League minnows have made in several years, signalling a major change in thinking - and spending - from owner Mike Charlesworth.

McCormack was the competition’s equal-third leading scorer last season with 14 goals in just 17 appearances for Melbourne City.

Ross McCormack scored 14 goals in 17 appearances for Melbourne City last season. Picture: AAP Image

He hasn’t played first-team football since the expiry of his injury-replacement stint with City and says he jumped at the chance to return to Australia. “I’m really excited to get back to Australia,” McCormack said. “The standard of football in Australia is a bit overlooked, I think - everyone wants to play football the right way and I loved my time with Melbourne.” McCormack said he felt much fitter now than he was when he first signed with City and would bring his family with him this time around.

Oar, meanwhile, arrives at Gosford after a season with Cypriot giants APOEL. Capped 28 times for the Socceroos, Oar’s return to the A-League reunites him with Mike Mulvey, his former junior coach at the Queensland Academy of Sport. “He’s the kind of coach that will show full belief in me and get the best out of me,” Oar said.

Ross McCormack joins the Mariners on loan from Aston Villa. Picture: Michael Klein

Tommy Oar arrives at Gosford after spells at Brisbane Roar, FC Utrecht, Ipswich Town and APOEL. Picture: Darren England

Oar, 26, is a natural left winger but can also play as an attacking midfielder. “I know the Mariners have had a difficult couple of years but historically, the Mariners have experienced a lot of success and I believe that I can help put this team back up where they belong,” he said.

McCormack and Oar could become a teammate of former sprinter Usain Bolt, who’s on trial with the Mariners.

Central Coast haven’t qualified for the A-League finals for the past four seasons, having finished bottom of the ladder in two of those campaigns.

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