Northern NSW side Edgeworth Eagles have announced the signing of former Hyundai A-League Championship winner Josh Rose in a big boost to their NPL and FFA Cup hopes.
Rose, 36, revealed he was retiring from A-League football at the end of the 2017/18 season after his second stint with the Central Coast Mariners.
The defender won both the A-League Premiership and Championship in his first stint with the Mariners, and has also represented Melbourne City and New Zealand Knights in the competition.
However, with Edgeworth set to have some key absences over the coming weeks, head coach Damian Zane revealed Rose had been brought in for some added depth in an interview with the Newcastle Herald.
While he is unlikely to feature in Wednesday's FFA Cup clash against Singleton, Rose should make his debut this Saturday in NPL action against Maitland.
“He could play centre or left back and we push Aaron higher or Liam Spurway can play midfield,” Zane said of Rose’s role in the team.
“It just gives us a lot of versatility and a bit more experience.”
Zane added: “When he was playing at Melbourne City, we beat Bentleigh and he came out with us afterwards and had dinner,” Zane said.
“The guys met him then and thought he was an A-grade bloke. Obviously when you met a star you expect them to be a bit arrogant, and he wasn't. He'll fit in nicely.”
Rose will link up with former Mariners teammate Daniel McBreen at the Eagles.