Jordan Nikolovski: Central Coast’s safe hands

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Central Coast Mariners Academy goalkeeper Jordan Nikolovski has been a strong presence at the back for Mark Scott’s team in their debut season in the IGA NPL NSW Mens 1 competition.
Nikolovski, formerly of Sutherland Sharks, Rockdale City and Bankstown City, has found his way to the CCM Academy this season.

The introduction of the CCM Academy into the NPL NSW’s top division has created plenty of excitement around the new competition and given the experience of former A-League players Adam Biddle and Chris Payne are in their ranks, optimism is justified.

Playing out of Pluim Park in Lisarow, the CCM Academy’s introduction provides a pathway for local talent to progress through to the full A-League side, who were recently crowed A-League Champions.

Nikolovski was on the verge of quitting the game, but a helping hand from the Mariners goalkeeping coach, John Crawley, was spark he needed.

"I played my final game for Bankstown City against the Mariners," Nikolovski said. "After the game, John Crawley spoke to me and gave me the chance to train with Central Coast on a regular basis. He gave me the opportunity to sign up for the first team."

As the Academy side for the new A-League Champions, one could expect that the level of professionalism on offer for the CCM Academy squad to be comparable to that of the A-League.

Nikolovski, having experience State League football elsewhere, agrees.

"It really is one of the best clubs in terms of professionalism," Nikolovski said.

"It’s like training with the Mariners (A-League squad). The set up is very close to A-League level, from the coaches, to the management and the facilities."

CCM Academy are sitting at the foot of the IGA NPL NSW Mens 1 competition, but with the competition only six rounds old, there is plenty of time to improve their league position.

Nikolovski said that establishment was the key, before any longer term goals could be made.

"Our ambition in the short term would be to secure our first win," the goalkeeper said. 
"From there, we can push on. We’d like to secure a position in mid-table.
"Then we can start to set out goals for next season."
– By Matthew Connellan