Twelve months ago, Trent McClenahan was an Australian footballer who had a relatively successful European-based career.

The Young Socceroo captain and Beijing Olympian, had moved to West Ham United at an early age, and spent much of his early career in the English leagues and the Scottish Premier League.

Then all of a sudden, things came to a halt.

"I was playing good football, but I didn't fit in with the manager's plans at Scunthorpe. It was late in the transfer window, and I was simply unlucky, and couldn't get a gig, so I decided to return home" said the defender. When McClenahan returned home, he arrived at a time where A-League opportunities were rare. He had no agent and no real idea where his playing future was headed.

"I spent several months out of the game, keeping fit, but not considering state league as I wanted to keep my options open" he said.

McClenahan's opportunity came when Ian Ferguson brought him into Perth Glory on a short term injury-cover deal. McClenahan performed well for the Glory and it didn't take long for other A-League coaches to make enquiries to his management. The chase for his signature was won this week by Graham Arnold who added McClenahan to his squad for the Central Coast Mariners' Asian Champions League squad.

"I have worked with Arnie (Graham Arnold) before, and it's a good fit for me. He seems to like the way I play, and I have always enjoyed his coaching style." said McClenahan. "I am excited to be at the Mariners at a time where they are one of the country's best teams and about to play against the best from Asia".

McClenahan's management are also happy with the new development.

"The plan is going along nicely" said Tony Belica from Zenith Sports and Event Management.

"We would like to see Trent as a permanent addition to the Mariners A-League outfit and that may happen down the track. We were hoping to showcase him to Asian clubs, and this will certainly be a better option than mailing DVDs across the continent. He wants to play in the A-League, and another Asian league in the near future to prepare for another return to Europe. He also wants to represent at Australia at senior level having been involved in a number of training camps in the past." added Belica.