The Central Coast Mariners have completed their double swoop of ex-Sydney FC pair Jacques Faty and Mickael Tavares after the latter was released by the Sky Blues on Monday afternoon.

Veteran defender Faty was picked up the Mariners last week, just hours after being cut by the Sky Blues. As soon as that deal was completed, speculation mounted that Tavares would be joining his cousin in Gosford, despite having a year to run on his contract.

The move of the two players appears to be a win-win, with the Mariners badly needing some experience while the Sky Blues urgently need to refresh their squad - and the space in the salary cap will be welcomed by Graham Arnold, who also gets the chance to find two new visa players next season.

"Mickael had a great start to his career at Sydney FC and helped us reach the heights last year in our record-breaking season," Arnold said. "This season things haven't gone as well and we have agreed to part company but I wish him very well for the future and the best of luck to him and his family."