Kwasnik sails back to Central Coast
Kwasnik sought a sea change following the Mariners? Hyundai A-League Premiership winning campaign in 2007/08 and was granted his wish by Trans Tasman rivals Wellington, where the 25-year-old enjoyed a modest season that largely failed to match the standard that he had set at Bluetongue Stadium.
Kwasnik?s goalless twelve appearances for Wellington throughout the Hyundai A-League 2008/09 season were incomparable to his first stint on the Central Coast; where the former Australian youth international netted a club record 19 goals from 75 competitive appearances.
Kwasnik has fielded offers from various clubs in recent weeks, but opted for a return to the surrounds that made him one of the most electrifying attacking talents in Australia and becomes the Mariners? second new recruit ahead of their maiden AFC Champions League tilt following last week?s capture of Shane Huke.
Kwasnik?s achievements with the Mariners include ? all-time greatest goal scorer aside ? claiming the club?s Golden Boot prize in 2006/07 for his seven Hyundai A-League regular season strikes and a unique record of being the only Mariners player to have scored against each of the Mariners? eight Hyundai A-League opponents to date.
Prior to departing for Wellington, Kwasnik contributed 15 starts, seven substitute appearances and six goals to the Mariners? Premiership winning campaign to rank third behind leading marksmen Sasho Petrovski and John Aloisi in terms of goal scoring, while also offering Football Manager Lawrie McKinna versatile and consistent option in attack.
Kwasnik will soon begin training with his former team-mates before making himself available for selection for the Mariners? opening AFC Champions League match against Korean FA Cup winners Pohang Steelers at Bluetongue Stadium on Wednesday, 11 March.
With a maximum of thirty AFC Champions League squad spots able to be nominated by the Mariners, Kwasnik?s capture, in addition to that of Shane Huke, leaves the yellow and navy able to sign as many as eight more players for their inaugural continental campaign.
Adam Kwasnik
Date of Birth 31 May 1983
Place of Birth Sydney, Australia
Position Striker
Height 179cm
Weight 76kg
Former Clubs 2000-01, 2004-05 Blacktown City (New South Wales); 2001-02 Parramatta Power; 2002-04 Northern Spirit; 2005-08 Central Coast Mariners; 2008-09 Wellington Phoenix
The Mariners? bid for a berth in the Hyundai A-League Preliminary Final will continue at Suncorp Stadium on Friday, 13 February, when they again take on the Queensland Roar in the Minor Semi Final ? 2nd Leg. Kick off is at 8.30pm AEDT.
The Mariners will next be at Bluetongue Stadium for the opening match of their maiden Asian adventure ? an AFC Champions League 2009 clash against Korean FA Cup winners Pohang Steelers on Wednesday, 11 March.
