A-League championship-winning coach Nick Montgomery’s move to Scottish club Hibernian has been confirmed by the Central Coast Mariners.
Montgomery, who led the Mariners to the A-League title last season, has been linked with the vacant Hibs coaching role since the job was turned down by Socceroos boss Graham Arnold.
Joining Montgomery at Hibs will be Mariners assistant coach Sergio Raimundo and Central Coast’s goalkeeper coach Miguel Miranda.
“I sincerely thank Nick and Sergio, two of the hardest working people I’ve ever met, and wish them all the best as they navigate their next challenge,” Mariners chairman Richard Peil said.
“Moments like this prove why our club is so great. We give opportunities to talented people, and when they perform like our coaching team did last year, bigger clubs will take notice.
“At the end of the day, we want everyone at the club to reach their potential, and move on to their next challenge.”
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In an open letter to Mariners members, England-born Montgomery – who has spent more than 10 years at the Mariners as a player and a coach – said the time had come for a “new chapter” in his coaching career.
“Eleven years ago, I arrived on the Central Coast with my family, and I didn’t know what to expect,” the 41-year-old mentor said.
“What I found was a beautiful place and community to match.
“I will never forget the support the fans have given me and my family. I am so happy I could deliver that trophy back to the Coast, for them and for the community.
“Together as one family we made what people thought was impossible, possible.
“It’s time for a new chapter, but you will always be in my heart, and I will be supporting from afar.”
The Hibs squad includes Socceroos star Martin Boyle, as well as former Adelaide United and Melbourne Victory midfielder Jimmy Jeggo, and ex-Mariners defender Lewis Miller.
