Usain Bolt hoping to light up A-League with Central Coast
Eight-time Olympic gold medallist Usain Bolt's could be on his way to the A-League after agreeing to a deal "in principle" with the Central Coast Mariners.
Bolt, 31, is 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.
"The club can confirm that it has been in negotiations with the Olympic champion and world record holder, regarding the opportunity to trial here on the Central Coast," the Mariners said in a statement.
"The Central Coast Mariners remain committed to discussions with the 'world's fastest man' and his management team, regarding what role the club may play in Bolt's burning ambition to become a professional footballer.
"It is crucial to note that all discussions between the Central Coast Mariners and Bolt require an initial six-week-trial period and no contract is guaranteed."
Bolt's agent earlier confirmed the star had agreed to a deal "in principle" with Central Coast.
"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.
"Mainly, a trial, and of course marquee funds support from the FFA.
"Once the FFA comes back and says that they'll be part of the process, we're going to the trial."
Bolt, a Manchester United fan who attended the World Cup final in Moscow, retired from the track after the world championships in London last year.
He has since trialled with German giants Borussia Dortmund and Stromsgodset in Norway.
At his Dortmund trial in March this year, head coach Peter Stroger said after the live-streamed training session that Bolt had a lot of work to do should he wish to pursue his dream.
Bolt has also been a frequent participant in charity football matches such as "Soccer Aid" at Manchester United's Old Trafford ground and most recently appeared in a charity match with members of France's 1998 World Cup winning squad before this year's tournament.
External Link: ITV tweet: Very nearly a Bolt from the blue in the 3rd minute!
"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 has put his hand deep in his pocket and guaranteed 70 per cent of the salary."
The Mariners firmed as Bolt's most likely destination after taking the sprint king's ambitions seriously, despite interest from several A-League clubs.
"Apart from him obviously being extremely fast the feedback we have received from Germany and Norway is that he is a very good learner and shows dramatic improvement after every training session," Mariners chief executive Shaun Mielekamp told Newscorp.
"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."
External Link: 90min football tweet: Nice finish from Usain Bolt in Dortmund training..
Earlier this week the Mariners announced that former Manchester United assistant coach Mike Phelan — who acted as Sir Alex Ferguson's right-hand man for five seasons — would be taking up the role of sporting director.
Last season the Mariners finished bottom of the A-League ladder, winning just four of 27 matches all season with an average home attendance of 7,194.
The Mariners have won the A-League premiership twice in their history, most recently in the 2011/12 season under current Socceroos coach Graham Arnold.
Arnold also led the Mariners to their first and only championship in 2013.
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