Toope Sensationally Returns From Retirement For Central Coast United

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Football NSW League Two side, Central Coast United have wasted no time getting busy upon the opening of the transfer window, announcing the return of veteran defender Graham Toope.

The 33-year old was a part of the inaugural squad a couple of years ago, but was forced into an early retirement at the end of last season due to ongoing injuries.

Toope admitted he missed being away from the squad and was hungry to return to first-grade football.

“I stepped away at the end of last season, I had a really bad run with injuries and I just couldn’t get my body right,” he said.

“I guess I was just missing it, I’d been away from the game for a bit and my body felt much better and I spoke to a few people at the club and they said there was an opportunity for me to come back.

“I started training about four weeks ago to see if my body could hold up and to see if I could get back to that level where I can contribute.”

Toope noted his close relationship with the club and how it helped his decision to return.

“There’s probably eight or nine players that have been there since the first season, so I obviously know them all very well and there’s a strong culture at the club and there has been since the first season,” he said.

Central Coast have been on a notable run of late, winning their last seven games to send them to third place on the ladder.

“Currently the boys have been playing unreal and Sully has recruited really well, I’m hoping to just get my body fit and whatever role they need me to play I’m more than happy to do so,” Toope said.

“Whether it’s being a bit of depth for the club or helping out if we get some injuries, I’ll help with whatever they need me to do.

“The club was a second opportunity for me to play representative football, a few years ago I came up through the Central Coast lightning system and after that went away they brought in the youth academy.

“It gave players like me another opportunity and I owe a lot to the club, they’ve been very supportive to me and everyone on the Central Coast”.

The 33-year old was reluctant to confirm if he would go around again with his focus firmly on helping the club achieve promotion this year.

“It’s very hard to tell at the moment, I would like to get through this season to get promotion sorted and hopefully finish in the top four, I’d have to wait and see and make a decision then.”

Central Coast United will look to continue their winning ways as they host Gladesville Ryde Magic on Saturday.