Central Coast have shown faith in Nick Montgomery by extending their head coach's contract for a further two seasons, through to the end of the 2024-25 A-League Men campaign.
Montgomery and assistant Sergio Raimundo have both re-signed with the Mariners after taking them to an elimination final and FFA Cup final while playing a predominantly youthful team.
The former academy coach helped develop the likes of Alou and Garang Kuol, Jacob Farrell, Josh Nisbet, Kye Rowles and Dan Hall and committed to continuing to develop young players.
"I am excited to build on the foundations that we started a few years ago in becoming the best development club in the A-League," Montgomery said.
"With last season's FFA Cup Final, and our second consecutive top six finish, we have set a benchmark.
"Sergio and I will attempt to do everything we can to recruit, retain and develop our own players and compete strongly in the competition, making the Coast proud of who we are."
Former player and academy coach Montgomery stepped into the top job on a two-season deal in July 2021 after Alen Stajcic, who had turned the once-hapless Mariners around, departed at the end of the 2020-21 season.
"Twelve months ago, I had no hesitation in recommending Nick and Sergio to our executives for the role of head and assistant coach, and over the last season, they have shown everyone the capabilities that they have as coaches," Mariners head of football Ken Schembri said.
"Everyone at Central Coast Mariners is very confident that their extension by another two years will take the club to the level that we aspire to be at."