While Usain Bolt has been hogging the media headlines with his dream of being a professional footballer, several Mariners big name off-season recruits have flown under the radar.

One big name is 2014 World Cup Socceroo Tommy Oar, who comes to the Central Coast armed with a Championship medal after winning the Cyprus first division with powerhouse club APOEL.

Along with Oar, the Mariners have also bolstered the squad with goal machine Ross McCormark as well as Wanderers pair Jack Clisby and Jonathan Aspropotamitis.

Michael McGlinchey and Matt Simon also return to their former club and throw in Aiden O'Neill who played in the English Premier League with Burnley and Central Coast have the makings of a competitive side.

Ahead of the new season Oar was licking his lips at the prospect of pinning crosses to McCormack who is on loan from Aston Villa.

“He’s a proven goal scorer, not only in the A-League but in every league he has played in and we are lucky to have him,” he said.

“We have also bright boys back like Matt Simon and Michael McGlinchey - they have had a lot of A-League success and also know what it means to play for the Central Coast.

“We really have a good team culture at the club this year and also believe that a few young boys will make a name for themselves this season as well.

“So, it’s a really good mix.”

After spending his A-League career with Brisbane Roar, Oar revealed that he chose the Mariners because of his prior relationship with Central Coast’s new head coach.

“When I was leaving APOEL I had a good conversation with Mike Mulvey and then the management at Central Coast and I had a good feeling,” he said.

“The club is going through a bit of change at the moment, there is a really positive mood around the whole club,

“Mike is obviously someone that I’ve worked with in the past in my youth so for me I was at a stage in my career where I wanted stability and signing a multiyear contract with the Mariners was for me a really good decision.

“Going off the first weeks at the club I am definitely sure I made the right choice.”