McCormack may haunt Melb City
FOOTBALL: The talk of Gosford this off-season has been whether Usain Bolt will figure in the A-League, but Melbourne City are focused on another Mariner ahead of their round two clash.
After winning City’s golden boot last season, Ross McCormack (pictured) is lacing up in yellow and blue, and City coach Warren Joyce says today’s reunion is of more interest in his dressing room than Bolt.
“They’re talking more about Ross than anything else,” he said. “He did a great job for us last season. He was good within the group, good man, popular man within the football club, with the fans and in the dressing room.
“He’s willing to come out of the comfort zone of England to progress his career, so every credit to him.”
McCormack scored 14 goals in 17 games for City last term on an injury-replacement deal for Bruno Fornaroli and left when the Uruguayan proved his fitness for the run-in.
Joyce inquired about another loan for the Aston Villa striker this term, but opted against the 32-year-old when he realised they’d have to wait until the end of the transfer window, the start of September, to sign him.
“It’s not easy to get them when the windows are open because obviously players that are on a lot of dough, the clubs are looking to get a return from them,” Joyce said.
“At the times that we were looking at our options in forward positions he wasn’t really available. I’m looking forward to seeing him. I just hope he doesn’t score.”
The meeting pits two of round one’s luckier outfits. City got a lucky penalty goal before beating Victory 2-1, and Central Coast benefited from Adam Taggart’s off day to draw 1-1 with Brisbane.