Mariners sign Blades duo on loan
Central Coast Mariners have used their Sheffield United connections to sign two teenagers from the English Championship club.
The A-League's bottom side have brought in defender Sam Graham and winger Stephen Mallon on loan for the rest of the season.
It was their assistant coach Nick Montgomery, who played more than 350 games for the Blades, who helped secure the deals.
Neither of the players have yet made a first-team appearance for United, but Graham had two loan spells last year, at FC Halifax Town and Oldham Athletic.
The 18-year-old central defender said it was a great opportunity to play in the A-League, adding: "I know that I need to train hard and work my way into the team and that's the plan. This is an important stepping stone early in my career - I want to play as many games as I can."
Mallon, 19, is a Republic of Ireland youth international who can play as a left-sided attacker, wingback or attacking midfielder.
He said of Montgomery's involvement in the move: "Nick is obviously an ex-Sheffield United player - he spoke to people at the club and showed interest in me.
"Monty said it's a great league, a great experience. He said nothing is guaranteed just because we have travelled from England but he knows we are good players and told us that we need to work hard to earn our chance."
The Mariners could leave full-back Matt Millar out of their squad for Saturday's clash with reigning champions Melbourne Victory.
Millar has signed a deal to join their F3 derby rivals Newcastle Jets from the start of next season.
The Mariners are 19/4 to win their next game against Melbourne Victory, who are 4/7, with the draw 16/5.
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Central Coast Mariners have used their Sheffield United connections to sign two teenagers from the English Championship club.
The A-League's bottom side have brought in defender Sam Graham and winger Stephen Mallon on loan for the rest of the season.
It was their assistant coach Nick Montgomery, who played more than 350 games for the Blades, who helped secure the deals.
Neither of the players have yet made a first-team appearance for United, but Graham had two loan spells last year, at FC Halifax Town and Oldham Athletic.
The 18-year-old central defender said it was a great opportunity to play in the A-League, adding: "I know that I need to train hard and work my way into the team and that's the plan. This is an important stepping stone early in my career - I want to play as many games as I can."
Mallon, 19, is a Republic of Ireland youth international who can play as a left-sided attacker, wingback or attacking midfielder.
He said of Montgomery's involvement in the move: "Nick is obviously an ex-Sheffield United player - he spoke to people at the club and showed interest in me.
"Monty said it's a great league, a great experience. He said nothing is guaranteed just because we have travelled from England but he knows we are good players and told us that we need to work hard to earn our chance."
The Mariners could leave full-back Matt Millar out of their squad for Saturday's clash with reigning champions Melbourne Victory.
Millar has signed a deal to join their F3 derby rivals Newcastle Jets from the start of next season.
The Mariners are 19/4 to win their next game against Melbourne Victory, who are 4/7, with the draw 16/5.
View all Soccer betting
Source: bet365.com
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