The midfielder of German background was at the centre of controversy during the third season of the Hyundai A-League, where the ex Bayer Leverkusen and Lecce player suffered a barrage of domestic and international criticism following his appearance as Adolf Hitler at a Central Coast Mariners costume party.

Despite having been a regular first-team fixture in the Mariners squad for the first two seasons of the A-League, Gumprecht found himself on the bench towards the end of the season and during the finals series where he made his last appearance as a substitute against the Newcastle Jets in the Mariners’ 1-0 Grand Final loss.

“At the end of the day the coach makes the decision and whether it is right or wrong, you are an employee and have to deal with the decision that is made,” Gumprecht said.

“It will be the same approach from me in the future, because we have a boss and he makes the decisions which we must go along with.

“Whatever happens, I’m going to do the best in any situation I’m facing.”

The Mariners recently re-signed Gumprecht on a one-year deal – along with injury plagued team-mate Matthew Osman – for next season.

After being released by the Mariners at the end of last season, the midfielder decided to spend the A-League off-season with state league club Bankstown City Lions, almost inspiring the club to a finals berth.

“During the Premier League season I wanted to show that I could play in the A-League and I’m very thankful to the Bankstown City Lions, who allowed me to be in the shop-window and to be in a team environment when the A-League wasn’t on," said Gumprecht.

“I needed something to stay fit and Bankstown gave me the opportunity. I’m very pleased at the moment and I’m very glad the Mariners came along and signed me up again.”

When asked about why he wasn’t re-signed by the A-League club at the conclusion of last season, Gumprecht said the club had taken time to consider the circumstances of the events and that he was delighted with their decision.

“It obviously took a little bit longer for the Mariners to make their mind up but I’m very happy that they decided to take me on board again," he said.

“I’m really looking forward to having another successful year with the Mariners.”

Gumprecht says he the club has assured him of the potential for first-team football this season, after the player spoke to Lawrie McKinna about the upcoming season.

He added: “The Mariners say they will give me a fair chance and the rest is up to me.

“In any professional environment, you’re not walking in and getting gifts. You have to prove yourself, train hard, perform well and you will be picked and this applies to any player coming in to the club.

“We have been talking to each other about what we are expecting. We have to get on with the job as quickly as we can.

"I had my first training session the other morning, it went really well and I’m happy to be back in a professional environment.”

The 33-year old midfielder also revealed his hope to continue his playing career for three more years.

“All I want to do is to stay fit and prove my ability to play in the A-League and whatever comes after that is a little too far ahead to predict," he said.

“But I plan to play football for at least another three years.”