Central Coast announces Major signing

Central Coast Mariners have sealed the signature of attacking utility Travis Major for the rest of the A-League season.

Central Coast new boy Travis Major could feature against Melbourne City

Major, 24, featured for Central Coast against Newcastle Jets in Mudgee in pre-season, the former Blacktown City FC man showing he has the skills, power and presence to trouble A-League defences.

Major suffered a groin injury after the Mudgee match but is now fit enough to be considered by boss Phil Moss for Sunday's clash against Melbourne City in Gosford.

Phil Moss confirmed that Major, who scored an impressive 24 goals in all competitions for NSW Premier League winner Blacktown in 2014, is set to play a part – whether from the outset or off the bench – against John van’t Schip’s side.

“I probably would have signed Travis in pre-season after his performance in Mudgee,” Moss said. “But we knew he had a slight injury and that he had just come off a long season with Blacktown.

“So we took the opportunity to help him with his rehab, and in training over the past few weeks he’s shown that he’s deserving of a chance.

“He has been consistently among the goals in the National Premier League with Blacktown and has been tracked by a number of A-League clubs over the past few years.

"I really believe in Travis. He’s a very strong person mentally, and definitely gives us a physical presence. He has a real eye for goal and can score with both feet."

Major is the first player to arrive at the club in the January transfer window, however Mariners mentor Moss said business is far from finished.

"We’re likely to add one, perhaps two new players to the squad this month,” he said. “But signing Travis is a great start. He’s hungry, he’s a winner, and he has something to prove."

Major said he is grateful to the Mariners for giving him his first crack at A-League level, and is desperate to make the most of his initial five-month pro deal.

"It’s a really good opportunity and I am really thankful to ‘Mossy’ [Moss] and the whole coaching staff for giving me this great chance," Major said. "I just want to take it with both hands now."

Ahead of the City clash, Major said: "There’s a great buzz about the change room. Everyone wants to win, and success is only just around the corner I think."