Central Coast Mariners boss Lawrie McKinna confirmed the midfielder's exit today but hoped there wouldn't be too many others following the 25-year-old out of the club.

McKinna said Osman would leave the club with everyone's best wishes and said he understood why the player had opted to move north.

He told au.fourfourtwo.com: "The only one (definitely leaving) is Matthew Osman.

"His girlfriend is up there and he's had a good offer. We wish him all the best."

McKinna said the decision was no reflection on the Mariners and that Osman fully appreciated how the club had looked after him.

While Osman will move on, the club is hopeful of persuading other out of contract players to stay put.

Negotiations are on going with several first team regulars including skipper Alex Wilkinson and striker Sasho Petrovski.

Goalkeeper Danny Vukovic recently penned a new deal with the club with the Mariners also keen to tie down fellow custodian Andrew Redmayne.