Perfect swarm awaits Bolt

WHEN Matt Simon returned to his home A-League club this off-season he never considered a local training run might attract a media contingent pushing 100.

Central Coast’s all-time leading scorer, known as the Wizard of Woy Woy, had long grown used to the small-town Gosford assembly of maybe one or two reporters.

Certainly nothing like the swarm set to turn out for Usain Bolt’s official Mariners unveiling today.

Media from across Australia, along with the BBC, ESPN and even French newspaper L’Equipe have registered for the pre-season session at Central Coast Stadium, where coach Mike Mulvey will take his first real look at the sprint king’s football skills before joining him at a press conference coinciding with his 32nd birthday.

“We didn’t think of that at the start of the pre-season,” Simon said. “I was lucky enough to meet him over the weekend and welcome him to the club. He’s a really nice guy and really relaxed.”

Simon was one of a select few to help Bolt settle in on Saturday night, joining the Jamaican for dinner alongside fellow player Kalifa Cisse, the club’s coaching staff and chief executive Shaun Mielekamp.

“Just to welcome him and talk to him about the club, the league and what he can expect at training,” Simon said.

“One thing I told him is the league’s quite physical. But he’s six foot five and an absolute giant, so he’s not going to have any issues there.

“He’s the world’s greatest athlete, it’s pretty amazing he’s going to be training with our team and we’re excited to see what he can do.”

Bolt stretched his legs on Monday, going for a light jog under the supervision of head of performance Andrew Young as he continues to shrug off the jet lag following his long-haul flight from Jamaica.

And just as the squad pinched themselves when they met him on Sunday, Simon experienced his own “surreal” moment the night before.

“He was a really humble guy, really calm and just chilled out. I can only see positive things from him being here,” Simon said.