Official: Central Coast Mariners sign defender Brent Griffiths

30/07/2012 10:47:00 AM

The 22-year-old defender is now at his third A-League club in 18 months, but is relishing the chance to impress in brother Rostyn's shoes at the Mariners

The Central Coast Mariners have added to their rear-guard depth with the signing of former Perth Glory and Wellington Phoenix defender Brent Griffiths.

The versatile 22-year-old left-footer has signed a one-year deal after a short spell at Victorian Premier League club Heidelberg United, who he joined following his release from the Phoenix after the 2011-12 A-League campaign.

He becomes the second of his family to play for the Mariners, with brother Rostyn a key player at the club before his move to Chinese Super League outfit Guangzhou R&F in February.

It is somewhat of a second coming for the younger Griffiths, who had trained with the Mariners for two months before his move to the Phoenix before last season.

Having made six appearances for the New Zealand side, the former Blackburn Rovers academy member adds to coach Graham Arnold's options in defence after the departure of former captain Alex Wilkinson to K-League outfit Jeonbuk Motors on July 18.

"Brent gives us A-League experience having played with both Perth Glory and Wellington Phoenix," Arnold said via club statement.

"He offers us further depth in the centre of defence, where we also have Patrick Zwaanswijk, Zac Anderson and Trent Sainsbury.

"Brent gives us good cover at left stopper and can adapt to a number of other roles on the pitch should we need him to.

"We were interested in keeping Brent at the Mariners last season, understand his character and know he will fit into our club culture."

Griffiths is now at his fourth club since his release from Perth Glory after the 2010-11 season, but is upbeat about his new home at the Mariners: "The guys are good lads, the coaches are great and the facilities are very good, too," he said.

"To be honest I want to learn as much as I can from the coaching staff and Arnie. Patrick Zwaanswijk obviously plays the same position as me and has had a great career, so I'm keen to learn off him."

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