Post by staggerstag on Jul 19, 2018 20:19:51 GMT
What do you think of that, weststigersbob? Others? By the look of it the Mariners need all the help they can get, but is this a step in the wrong direction?
Usain Bolt set for trial in Australia's A-League with Central Coast Mariners
Mariners chief executive insists six-week trial for sprint star is ‘not a stunt or gimmick
The eight-time Olympic gold medallist Usain Bolt could be on his way to Australia’s A-League.
“The deal between the Mariners and Usain Bolt in principle has been agreed, subject to a couple of benchmarks,” Tony Rallis told the Big Sports Breakfast on Tuesday.
Sydney’s Daily Telegraph earlier reported that Bolt, 31, was set for a six-week trial with the Mariners starting next month, with a season-long deal on the table should he make the grade.
Bolt, who attended Sunday’s World Cup final in Moscow, retired from the track after the world championships in London last year. He has since trialled with the German giants Borussia Dortmund and Stromsgodset in Norway.
The Mariners, who finished bottom of the A-League last season, firmed as Bolt’s most likely destination after taking the sprint king’s ambitions seriously, despite several A-League clubs being interested.
“If he’s competitive, he will lift our A-League profile,” Rallis said. “He will create dreams for young people and he will give the A-League a profile no amount of money can buy.
“This bloke’s an ambitious athlete. The A-League needed a hero, and we got superman.
“The owner of Central Coast Mariners [Mike Charlesworth] has put his hand deep in his pocket and guaranteed 70% of the salary.”
Mariners chief executive Shaun Mielekamp told the Telegraph the move was a genuine chance to assess Bolt’s talent.
“This is a very real football opportunity, this is not a stunt or gimmick – we want to know if Usain can play.
“If he can, let’s light up the A-League and bring one of the biggest named athletes in sport to the central coast.”
Mielekamp said there was still a lot of work to do on the “surreal” deal, and noted the trial period was extremely important to assess Bolt’s skill level.
Mielekamp said Bolt was an extremely fast learner.
“He’s got a very good left foot and only time will tell what level he’s at, and does that fit the A-League,” he added.
Early reaction on social media was largely scathing, with football fans labelling the move a “disaster”, “ridiculous” and a waste of money by Football Federation Australia.
Mariners chief executive insists six-week trial for sprint star is ‘not a stunt or gimmick
The eight-time Olympic gold medallist Usain Bolt could be on his way to Australia’s A-League.
“The deal between the Mariners and Usain Bolt in principle has been agreed, subject to a couple of benchmarks,” Tony Rallis told the Big Sports Breakfast on Tuesday.
Sydney’s Daily Telegraph earlier reported that Bolt, 31, was set for a six-week trial with the Mariners starting next month, with a season-long deal on the table should he make the grade.
Bolt, who attended Sunday’s World Cup final in Moscow, retired from the track after the world championships in London last year. He has since trialled with the German giants Borussia Dortmund and Stromsgodset in Norway.
The Mariners, who finished bottom of the A-League last season, firmed as Bolt’s most likely destination after taking the sprint king’s ambitions seriously, despite several A-League clubs being interested.
“If he’s competitive, he will lift our A-League profile,” Rallis said. “He will create dreams for young people and he will give the A-League a profile no amount of money can buy.
“This bloke’s an ambitious athlete. The A-League needed a hero, and we got superman.
“The owner of Central Coast Mariners [Mike Charlesworth] has put his hand deep in his pocket and guaranteed 70% of the salary.”
Mariners chief executive Shaun Mielekamp told the Telegraph the move was a genuine chance to assess Bolt’s talent.
“This is a very real football opportunity, this is not a stunt or gimmick – we want to know if Usain can play.
“If he can, let’s light up the A-League and bring one of the biggest named athletes in sport to the central coast.”
Mielekamp said there was still a lot of work to do on the “surreal” deal, and noted the trial period was extremely important to assess Bolt’s skill level.
Mielekamp said Bolt was an extremely fast learner.
“He’s got a very good left foot and only time will tell what level he’s at, and does that fit the A-League,” he added.
Early reaction on social media was largely scathing, with football fans labelling the move a “disaster”, “ridiculous” and a waste of money by Football Federation Australia.
The Captain
@captaingino4lyf
Usain Bolt to the Mariners would be a disaster for the A-League. League needs quality foreign talent to aid development. League has stabilised at a good level support wise (despite what media say) - don't go mucking up the quality (important for long term) for nonsense like this.
9:40 PM - Jul 16, 2018
Steven
@stevenlelli
@ffa the FFA does not need to be spending ridiculous money bringing Usain Bolt to the A League. It will add no value at all. A ridiculous and see through gimmick. A League is growing well without him. Bring real football talent to Australia to aide development.
9:32 PM - Jul 16, 2018
LeisureSuitLarry
@nastycroatreplying to @sunriseon7 @usainbolt
This is why no one takes the A-league seriously
10:03 PM - Jul 16, 2018 · Sydney, New South Wales
Perry Driver
@_PerryDriver
Usain Bolt will bring the same credibility to the #ALeague that Andrew Johns brought to T20 cricket
11:27 PM - Jul 16, 2018
Oz Transfer Market
@oztransfers
Usain Bolt’s move to the A-League will require the backing of the FFA and it’s marquee fund. Central Coast Mariners reportedly need $900,000 from the FFA to get the deal over the line. [442] #ALeague
10:01 PM - Jul 16, 2018
@captaingino4lyf
Usain Bolt to the Mariners would be a disaster for the A-League. League needs quality foreign talent to aid development. League has stabilised at a good level support wise (despite what media say) - don't go mucking up the quality (important for long term) for nonsense like this.
9:40 PM - Jul 16, 2018
Steven
@stevenlelli
@ffa the FFA does not need to be spending ridiculous money bringing Usain Bolt to the A League. It will add no value at all. A ridiculous and see through gimmick. A League is growing well without him. Bring real football talent to Australia to aide development.
9:32 PM - Jul 16, 2018
LeisureSuitLarry
@nastycroatreplying to @sunriseon7 @usainbolt
This is why no one takes the A-league seriously
10:03 PM - Jul 16, 2018 · Sydney, New South Wales
Perry Driver
@_PerryDriver
Usain Bolt will bring the same credibility to the #ALeague that Andrew Johns brought to T20 cricket
11:27 PM - Jul 16, 2018
Oz Transfer Market
@oztransfers
Usain Bolt’s move to the A-League will require the backing of the FFA and it’s marquee fund. Central Coast Mariners reportedly need $900,000 from the FFA to get the deal over the line. [442] #ALeague
10:01 PM - Jul 16, 2018
