Adam Pearce, 21, has signed a contract extension while 17-year-old Joe Gauci has arrived on the Central Coast from the Adelaide NPL on a two-year scholarship.

Tom Glover, who joined the Gosford outfit last season on a one-year loan deal, has returned to Tottenham Hotspur.

Pearce first joined the Central Coast Mariners set up as a 17-year-old and will remain with the Yellow and Navy until at least the end of next season.

Goalkeeping coach, Matt Nash said he was excited about working with all three shot-stoppers.

“I’m really happy for Pearcey who has worked hard over the past four years at the club and been very patient,” Nash said.

“He’s been playing very well in the NPL and is maturing very quickly as a good young goalkeeper. I know him very well as a person and his goal is to one day be the number one keeper at the Mariners – he is very driven and will fight hard for that spot."

About Gauci, Nash added: "(He) has a great attitude and been playing regular football in the SA NPL with men. He’s a great attacking goalkeeper which is what I like to see and he has maturity beyond his years.

“I’ve been lucky enough to work with the three together when we had Joe up for a week and they all worked really well together. I think it will be a great goalkeeping union here on the Coast with them all pushing each other and all three of them keen to play."

During the A-League off-season Pearce earned valuable game time with the high-flying Mariners NPL Team, making 15 appearances for the side that currently sit in second place.

Pearce spoke about the mentorship of both Matt Nash and Mariners Medalist, 31-year-old Kennedy, who activated a one-year contract extension.

“It’s been an incredible three years with Nashy, and before that with John Crawley,” Pearce said. “To be granted an opportunity with the first team again this season is something I am really grateful for heading into the season.

“It’s a dream for me to be the number one keeper at the club but as a 21-year-old I am just taking every day as it comes and trying my best to learn every day so when I am granted an opportunity I am ready to take it with both hands.

"BK has been great with me, he’s always there for me as a mentor which I really appreciate."

Gauci meanwhile makes a life-changing move to the Central Coast from NPL South Australia club, West Torrens Birkalla SC after signing his first professional contract. 

“I’m really excited – like any young footballer it’s always been a dream of mine to earn a professional contract,” Gauci said.

“At such a young age to get this opportunity in the A-League is fantastic for me, my family and everyone else who has supported me along the journey.

“I can’t wait to get in and start working with BK, Nashy, Pearcey and the rest of the squad where I know I can really develop as a player and a person. The week I’ve already spent at the Mariners was fantastic I felt really comfortable with the guys, they welcomed me with open arms.

“For me – I am going to training from 2-3 times a week to now training full time in a professional environment is amazing. I can’t wait to get going."