Local signs with Mariners

Local Peninsula resident and former Leads United starlet Jamie McMaster has become one of the Central Coast Mariners' first new signings of the 2006-07.

McMaster first joined the Mariners in December last year for a brief stay as cover for a horrific spate of long-term injuries.

McMaster managed six appearances, including a start against the Queensland Roar in the final match of the season.

McMaster, 23, was raised at Umina Beach before joining then English Premier League heavyweights Leeds United as a 16-year-old.

After nearly five years with Leeds, which included UEFA Champions League squad appearances against 1860 Munich and Premiership starts against Blackburn Rovers, Everton, West Ham and Liverpool, McMaster is set to reinvigorate his career.

His career had stalled somewhat in recent times as a consequence of shifting between five clubs since September 2004, according to the club's media and communications officer Mr Ben Coonan.

"Jamie came to the Mariners with a fantastic reputation and, in time, we've started to see what he's capable of," said coach Laurie McKinna.

"Last season his opportunities were limited, but with a full pre-season under his belt and the history he now has with the squad, I'm sure we'll see what Jamie is capable of in 2006/07."

Press release, May 9 Ben Coonan, Central Coast Mariners