Macarthur FC secure Tommy Oar from Central Coast Mariners

It’s a done deal. A-League expansion club Macarthur FC has just netted a big signing in a player Ante Milicic says will “fit perfectly’’.

Tommy Oar, who is playing with the Central Coast Mariners, has signed on for Macarthur FC for the 2020/21 A-League season.

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It’s a done deal.

A-League expansion club Macarthur FC has just secured the services of Central Coast Mariners forward Tommy Oar.

The new club locked away their first signing for two seasons with Oar joining Macarthur at the end of the season.

Macarthur FC Head Coach Ante Milicic said Oar’s experience and character made him an ideal player to secure as the club’s first ever signing.

“I worked with Tommy at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil and was impressed by his attitude and application to his work,” Milicic said.

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“He’s played many times for the national team, has experience playing overseas in Holland, and of course is very familiar with Hyundai A-League. Tommy will fit perfectly into the style of play we want at Macarthur FC.

“We’ve said all along that we want good characters and good people at this club and Tommy certainly sets a standard in that regard.”

Robbie Kruse of Melbourne Victory contests the ball with Tommy Oar of the Central Coast Mariners in round 14.

The Central Coast Mariners confirmed the deal in a statement on Wednesday.

“The Central Coast Mariners can today address recent media speculation surrounding Tommy Oar,’’ the statement read.

“The club can confirm that Oar has reached an agreement with Macarthur FC for the Hyundai A-league 2020/21 season, and will move upon completion of the current season.’’

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Oar is the first signing for the new club based in Sydney’s west.

Speculation is rife he is in line for the captaincy honours.

The 29-year-old winger has previously worked with Macarthur FC coach Milicic at the Socceroos when the Macarthur boss was assistant to Ange Postecoglou.

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

“Tommy is a professional and as a Mariners player will continue to give 110 per cent each week.’’

Oar has played 28 times for Australia and was part of the 2014 World Cup and 2015 Asian Cup squads.

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Originally published as Macarthur FC secure Tommy Oar from Central Coast Mariners