Emily Husband initially turned down the job that has led her to the biggest stage in Australian women’s domestic soccer.
That offer came in 2020 when the English coach, who now leads the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League Women’s competition, received a phone call from Sydney University football director John Curran, who asked Husband to manage the club’s first team in the National Premier Leagues NSW competition, after three years overseeing the reserve grade side.
Central Coast Mariners coach Emily Husband.Credit: Dean Sewell
“I said, ‘I don’t know, I have to think about it; I don’t think I’m ready’,” said Husband, who was doubling as Canberra United’s assistant coach at the time.
“I came back to Sydney, and he would ask, ‘So, when are we announcing you as the head coach?’ And I said, ‘No John, I don’t feel that I’m quite ready to take this on yet’. And he said, ‘I have confidence in you, just give it a crack’. I guess the rest is history.”
Sydney University went on to enjoy a trophy-laden spell under Husband, who attracted praise for her quick success as a first-time coach.
In 2023, the A-League came calling.
It was just months before the Mariners’ return to the women’s competition, 13 years after financial difficulties forced the side to dissolve, and they were without a squad, coaching staff and a real way forward.
When Husband’s phone rang this time, she didn’t give it a second thought.
Emily Husband oversees training on Friday.Credit: Dean Sewell
“My biggest jump into the deep end was really going into first grade Sydney Uni … that probably instilled a little bit more belief into myself that I’m capable of sometimes more than I give credit to myself for,” Husband said.
“I went well, [and I thought] I might only ever get one shot at this; this might not ever come around again, and if I go in there and I fail, I’ve found my level. But if I go there and I do well, then the sky’s the limit.”
Central Coast are already in uncharted territory, having reached the grand final under Husband, whose side will contest the A-League decider against Melbourne Victory on Sunday.
It follows a semi-final triumph against Melbourne City, who were undefeated until a last-minute goal from Isobel Gomez sent the Mariners through. Gomez also earned a Matildas call-up on Wednesday.
The Mariners haven’t beaten Victory this season, and will require a special performance away from home if they are to lift the silverware.
Husband does not mind the underdog status; it is something she has welcomed since joining the Mariners.
“Not necessarily having all the bells and whistles and the resources of other clubs, I think that sometimes actually bodes well for us because we have, in a way, a siege mentality, where it’s us versus them,” Husband said.
“The predictions at the beginning of the year are never going to have the Central Coast Mariners in the top six … that’s what kind of adds fire to your belly, to say I want to prove you wrong.”
