New head coach Alen Stajcic is making moves to strengthen the Central Coast Mariners by announcing the signing of Giancarlo Gallifuoco on a two-year deal.

The former Olyroo turned out seven times for the Western Sydney Wanderers in the Hyundai A-League 2018/19 Season after Markus Babbel signed the 25-year-old as an injury replacement player in March when midfielder Jordan O’Doherty was sidelined.

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After learning the ropes at the English Premier League academies of Tottenham Hotspur and Swansea City, Sydney-born Gallifuoco returned to his homeland and featured three times for Melbourne Victory in 2015/16.

Utility player Gallifuoco had spells in England with non-league clubs Torquay United and Dover Athletic between 2016 and 2018 before spending time with Italian third-tier outfit FC Rieti last season.

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Giancarlo Gallifuoco (right) in action for English club Torquay United

Everyone at the Mariners wants to be a part of returning this club to the powerhouse that it once was," Gallifuoco said.

“People forget about the trophies this club has won. Their form in recent years hasn’t been great but I remember watching the Central Coast of old who were a Premiership-winning, Grand Final-winning team.”

Stajcic, who was earlier this month handed a three-year deal as Mariners boss, said: “Coming from the Wanderers, Giancarlo was a consistent performer and showed a great presence.

"We’ll expect the same thing here at the Mariners – that he fits into the new team and hits the ground running.”