Mario Tičinović Signs for Third-Tier Club
The seasoned left-back, who has won eight trophies in his career, has taken an unexpected step by joining NK Uskok from Klis in the Second NL.
The seasoned left-back, who has won eight trophies in his career, has taken an unexpected step by joining NK Uskok from Klis in the Second NL.
Mario Tičinović, a former Hajduk and Zrinjski Mostar player, is the new signing for Croatian third-tier side NK Uskok from Klis. The news was announced on Saturday, and the arrival of the 35-year-old experienced left-back represents one of the most high-profile additions in the club's history and a clear signal of the club's ambitions at the foot of the Klis fortress.
Tičinović boasts a rich career with over 400 professional appearances and eight trophies. He developed as a player at Hajduk, with whom he won the Croatian Cup in 2010. He then moved abroad, playing for Danish side Nordsjaelland, with whom he won the Danish championship, and Belgian club Lokeren.
However, he left the biggest mark at Zrinjski Mostar. During his six years at the club, he won six trophies: three Bosnian championship titles, two Bosnian Cups, and one Super Cup.
He arrives at Uskok after a turbulent spell with HNK Vukovar 1991, with whom he was relegated from the HNL last season. He played 26 matches for the Vukovar club, providing three assists, and was a regular starter for most of the season.
The turning point came in April 2026, when coach Tomislav Stipić took charge of Vukovar. Their relationship never worked from the start, culminating on April 18, ahead of an away match against Istra in Pula. Despite being fit, Stipić did not include him in the squad, leading to an open conflict and eventual separation. After that, Tičinović was allowed to see out his one-year contract.
Now he faces a completely different challenge. Uskok competes in the Second NL, and last season they came close to promotion to the First NL, but injuries and a dip in form in the final stretch prevented them from achieving that goal. They still ended the season by winning the County Cup, which secured them a spot in the Croatian Cup.
It is in that competition that they will open their new season. On August 26, Podravina from Ludbreg will visit Klis, and that will be the first opportunity for Tičinović to make his debut for his new club and show why he is considered a major signing in their push for a higher league.
