Soccer: Mariners striker joins South Korean club

Matt Simon of the Central Coast mariners. Photo / Getty Images

South Korean club Chunnam Dragons has signed striker Matt Simon from Central Coast Mariners, the Australian team announced Friday.

The 25-year-old made his way into the A-League in 2006, having given up on his job as a plasterer, and has made two appearances for Australia's national team.

The tall striker will play against Gold Coast United on Saturday and Melbourne Victory on Wednesday before leaving for his new K-League team in Gwangyang next Thursday.

The Mariners are in first place in the A-League. Chunnam finished in seventh place in the 16-team K-League this season, 20 points behind champions Jeonbuk.
Mariners chairman Peter Turnbull said his club could not match the lucrative offer for Simon, understood to be around $400,000 a season.

"I don't think any A-League club is able to, under the current financial model, compete with the big overseas clubs," Turnbull said.

"This is an opportunity for Matt to set himself up for life with a three-year contract and a salary to match that opportunity."

Central Coast coach Graham Arnold believes Simon will one day return to the Gosford-based club.

"I think you will see him back here one day," Arnold said.

"He came here as an amateur and has spent the last five years performing in the first team exceptionally well.

"I had the privilege of working with Matt in the Olympic team.

"Not only is he, in my view, a hell of a good footballer, he's a great guy, he's a great club man and I don't think there's anyone that deserves this more than Matty Simon."

The 25-year-old had a whirlwind 48 hours from when the offer was made to securing a release from the Mariners.

"It is a little bit blurry at the moment ... I fly out on Thursday," he said.

"I'm really grateful to the club, and how easy they made it for me in my decision to go.

"It was too good (an offer) to turn down. The only thing I'm sad about is leaving the boys at this great time."

Arnold is looking to get full value from Simon in his final two A-League games prior to departure.

"Matty has guaranteed me six points," Arnold quipped.

The Mariners are planning a farewell for Simon at the Victory match on Wednesday, but it's this weekend's clash with Gold Coast that Arnold has in his sights.

"I think they are one of the most unpredictable teams to play," he said.

"They are a difficult team to beat and have become very dangerous on the counter (attack)."

Arnold will be without defensive midfielder Rostyn Griffiths, who missed last week's Perth match with a hip injury.

"(John) Hutch (Hutchinson) did a fantastic job last week against Perth Glory," Arnold said.

- AAP