Hutchinson signs Mariners extension

Central Coast Mariners captain John Hutchinson is likely to see out his career at the club after signing a two-year contract extension.

A member of the inaugural Mariners squad, the 33-year-old midfielder has made 193 competitive appearances for the two-time premiers.

After signing a deal which will keep him at Bluetongue Stadium until the end of the 2014/15 A-League campaign, Hutchinson said he would be happy if this was his last contract in Australia.

"I don't think I will ever leave the Mariners to go to another club in the A-League," Hutchinson said. 

"I love the coast and I love the club, and my family is very happy here. Football and life can change quickly, but if this is the last contract I sign in the A-League then I will be very happy."

The 11-time Malta international was briefly loaned out to the Chengdu Blades in 2011, when Mariners general manager of football Lawrie McKinna was in charge of the Chinese outfit.

Hutchinson will be recognised for a decade of service to the Mariners with a testimonial match before the 2014/15 season starts, provided FFA approve it.

Central Coast coach Graham Arnold, whose side are four points clear at the top, praised Hutchinson for his leadership.

"'Hutch' has been here since day one and is one of the true servants of the club," Arnold said. 

"He has shown great loyalty to the club over an extended period of time and is a great example to many of the young players that we have in the team."

Attacker Michael McGlinchey, goalkeeper Justin Pasfield and youngsters Hayden Morton and Michael Neill have all signed new contracts with the Mariners recently.