Midfielder Travis is settling into his new surroundings after leaving behind his home city and the club he joined as a youngster.

Sheffield United and Central Coast have strong links but Travis admits it was a tremendous help to have Carney on hand to seek advice and offer an insight into life (and football) Down Under.

The former Bramall Lane teammates are good friends and Carney has been happy to smooth the transition from one side of the world to the other for Travis.

Travis tells au.fourfourtwo.com: "I've been at Sheffield United since I was nine and signed professional when I was 17. It's all I've ever known so this is a big contrast.

"I got recommended to the gaffer (Lawrie McKinna) by Sheffield United. I came out at end of last season during Asian Champions League period. They offered me a contract and here I am.  

"They are a great bunch of lads and they've made me feel very welcome."

As for the Carney influence, Travis is delighted with his friend's input so far.   "I've been speaking to Carns a lot.

"He's a good mate. He's given me a few contacts over here and a few things to do. He's been really good in suggesting people to sort out a car, a property, things like that.

"As for the football he told me that the standard here is good and that I'd enjoy it. There's a lot of good players here."

So just what is Travis hoping to add to the Mariners side this season? He is certainly hoping to help boost the 'goals for' column if he has his way.

"I'm a box to box midfielder, I like to get forward beyond the strikers and score a few goals. The team has quite a few defensive midfielders so hopefiully I can be the one to get forward," he said.

Travis joked that a chilly recent trip to Canberra with the club was something of a reminder of life in chilly Sheffield and that he'd been glad to head north again and back into the sunshine.

"I just want to work hard and try and cement a place in the team," he said.