Brisbane gloveman set for a fitting exit
DEPARTING Roar goalkeeper Michael Theo will be honoured on Saturday when he watches his Brisbane teammates host Central Coast Mariners at Suncorp Stadium.
As revealed last month, the 37-year-old gloveman will not be offered a new deal by the Roar for next season. It will bring to an end Theo’s decorated eight-season Roar stint, and almost certainly his topflight career.
Theo won three A-League championships with the Roar, adding to the two he earned with Melbourne Victory.
But injury has dogged Theo in the latter stages of his Roar career.
Surpassed as Brisbane’s first-choice keeper by the recently re-signed Jamie Young, Theo hasn’t played – or even sat on the bench – since October due to a finger injury.
He again won’t play on Saturday when the Roar continue their late-season push for a finals spot.
But with it being the Roar’s final home match of the season, the former Norwich custodian will officially say goodbye to Brisbane fans.
If Theo can overcome his finger problem, he’s a chance to continue his career in the NPL Queensland competition, most likely with Olympic FC.
Meanwhile, Mariners defender Kye Rowles admits he has a point to prove against the Roar on Saturday.
The teenager made four appearances for the Roar last season – two in the A-League and two in the AFC Champions League – before being deemed surplus to requirements in Brisbane.
“(I’m) going there, trying to prove my worth and hopefully we can get the win,’’ Rowles said. “I’m sure there’ll be a few little word exchanges on the pitch this weekend.’’