22/8/23
Above: Kyah Simon – back at Central Coast Mariners. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Central Coast Mariners.
Australian internationals Kyah Simon and Emily Gielnik have moved back to the A-League Women after several years in England’s Women’s Super League.
The 32-year-old Simon has joined Central Coast Mariners from Tottenham Hotspur. The attacker boasts serious international experience, having featured for the Matildas 111 times, scoring 29 goals along the way. She has been selected in three FIFA Women’s World Cup squads, including the most recent 2023 edition on home soil, as well as taking part in two Olympic Games.
Simon began her professional footballing career at the Central Coast Mariners, scoring five goals in nine appearances. The striker then moved to Sydney FC, while later playing in the A-League Women’s competition for Melbourne City.
In total, the Matilda has played 108 A-League Women’s matches including six Grand Finals, scoring 50 goals and winning four A-League Championships. She has also won both the Julie Dolan Medal and the competition’s Golden Boot.
Simon has an extensive resume in domestic football overseas, playing seven seasons in America for both the Boston Breakers and Houston Dash.
Following her stint in America, Simon moved to Europe, joining Dutch giants PSV. In her sole season with the club, they finished second in the Eredivisie, before she secured a contract in the Women’s Super League with Tottenham Hotspur. The forward scored three goals in 16 appearances for the club, before a serious injury
The Matilda now returns back to where it all began, signing with the Central Coast Mariners ahead of the upcoming campaign. The striker is extremely excited to be wearing the Yellow and Navy this season, ready for a huge campaign in Mariners colours.
“I’m really pleased to have signed for Central Coast and to be back here in Australia playing in the A-League. Mariners being my first A-League club in the inaugural season, they’ve always held a special place in my heart and it’s a real full circle moment for me,” Simon said.
“The closer I came to this decision, the more it felt right for a number of reasons, coming off a really difficult 10 or so months it was a priority of mine to be somewhere I felt supported and to be in an environment surrounded by the best medical care and resources. I can’t wait to get out on the pitch with the girls and hopefully can help the team in any way I can in making this season a special and memorable one.”
Mariners Head Coach Emily Husband is thrilled to have the striker on board, seeing Simon as an incredible addition heading into the start of the season.
“The versatility and quality Kyah possesses as a forward, who has experience in some of the best leagues in women’s football, is an exciting signing for us,” Husband said.
“Her international career speaks for itself as she has scored in both the Olympic Games and World Cups. To bring that experience and proven ability to score in big moments to the Central Coast is excellent. Kyah has a fantastic character, and she will make an immediate impact on the group.”
Meanwhile, also today, Melbourne Victory announced the signing of forward Emily Gielnik.
The Matilda joins the Club from English Women’s Super League side Aston Villa, where she made 24 appearances and scored three times. Gielnik has also made 109 A-League Women’s appearances, netting 46 goals in her time in the league.
Gielnik returns for her second stint at Victory after leading the line for the side in the 2018/19 Premiership season, and has represented her country 54 times, featuring at the 2020 Olympic Games and the 2019 World Cup.
Melbourne Victory Head Coach, Jeff Hopkins said he was thrilled to re-link with Gielnik for the upcoming season.
“We’re incredibly excited to have Emily back at Melbourne Victory,” Hopkins said.
“It’s wonderful to have a player of her calibre return to the league and join our squad for the upcoming season and we know she will be an important contributor with her experience and guile in front of goal.
“Her career at domestic and international level speaks for itself and we’re looking forward to seeing what she can produce back in the A-League Women’s competition.”
Gielnik was also looking forward to returning to Melbourne Victory.
“I’m excited to be back at Victory and working with Jeff and the team for the upcoming season and I can’t wait to get started,” the striker said.
“I had a great experience during my first stint at the Club, winning Victory’s first Premiership in the A-League Women’s competition, and I’m looking forward to achieving more success with the squad this season.
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