Graham Arnold is known for finding young talent and putting them to use at Central Coast Mariners. That policy continued Monday with the club announcing the signings of Storm Roux and Tom Slater. Roux is a 20-year-old right back from New Zealand who holds Australian citizenship and therefore does not require the use of an international slot. Slater, just 16, is a left-winger who has signed a three-year contract with the Mariners.
Central Coast add Storm Roux and Tom Slater
The 20-year-old right back and 16-year-old winger come to the Mariners from Perth Glory and Sydney FC.
Of the two, Slater is the more well known on pure name recognition, as the son of former Socceroo and long-time player in Australia, Belgium, France and England, Robbie Slater. Though not part of the academy set-up in Sydney, the teenaged Slater did play for the Sky Blues in the National Youth League last season.
Roux is a New Zealand U20 international and just appeared in all three of the Junior All Whites’ group stage matches at the U20 World Cup in Turkey. He made a single appearance with Perth Glory last season before Arnold signed him. Clearly his Australian citizenship was a key factor though Arnold cited Roux’s play against Australia in a June friendly in Wollongong as evidence of his quality. Roux is on a two-year contract in Gosford.
Said Mariners CEO Peter Turnbull in a club press release:
“I know both had other options for their football pathway, with Tom in face receiving interest from a leading French club. It is a testament to Graham Arnold, his staff and our club that they have both chosen to play for us.”
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