Mariners sign Sterjovski

Former Australia international striker Mile Sterjovski has signed a one-year deal with Australian A-League outfit Central Coast Mariners, the club said today. Sterjovski, 33, who played for the Socceroos under Guus Hiddink at the 2006 FIFA World Cup™ in Germany, has left Chinese Super League side Dalian Aerbin and will arrive home on Monday to formalise his new deal. Mariners coach Graham Arnold said the former Lille, FC Basel, Derby County and Perth Glory player will prove beneficial to his young squad owing to his experience. "Our squad has nine Australian players under the age of 22," Arnold said. "Mile's experience in testing leagues overseas and with the Socceroos will help our young boys enormously." After Sterjovski officially joins the Mariners, the club will have 22 of a possible 23 players contracted for the 2012/13 campaign, starting in October, with Arnold saying he will leave one roster place available for the time being.