Trent Sainsbury rejoins the Central Coast Mariners after lengthy overseas spell

Central Coast Mariners’ A-League title defence will be boosted by the return of a former Socceroo.

Former Socceroos defender Trent Sainsbury has returned to the Central Coast Mariners more the 10 years after leaving the Gosford-based club.

Sainsbury, 32, has signed a three-year deal with the reigning A-League champions and treble winners after parting ways with Qatari club Al-Wakrah.

“I’m super excited to be returning to the Central Coast,” said Sainsbury, who was also pursued by Sydney FC.

“Coming back here was always the option for me, a real full circle moment having made my professional debut for the club.

“What the team achieved last season was incredible, an amazing treble, and I can’t wait to add what I can to the club and squad.

“It’s going to be a huge season, and I’m ready to give everything to help the Mariners achieve more silverware.”

Trent Sainsbury eyes the ball during his first stint with the Central Coast Mariners. Picture: AAP Image/Quentin Jones

Sainsbury made 69 appearances in all competitions for the Mariners before signing with Dutch club PEC Zwolle in January, 2014.

Apart from Zwolle and Al-Wakrah, the centre-back played for another six clubs – Jiangsu (China), Inter (Italy), Grasshoppers (Switzerland), PSV Eindhoven (Netherlands), Maccabi Haifa (Israel) and KV Kortrijk (Belgium) – during his well-travelled overseas spell.

Sainsbury also made 58 Socceroos appearances between 2014 and 2022.

Mariners coach Mark Jackson said the club was “absolutely delighted to get this signing over the line”.

“We welcome Trent back to the club where it all began for him as a professional footballer,” Jackson said.

“He is someone who has played at the highest level, has vast experience in the game and is a real leader on the pitch. He is exactly what we need in the group.

“Trent is someone that I am sure everyone in the Mariners family will be thrilled to see as a part of the team.”