Roar’s financial woe won’t distract Maclaren’s on- field focus

NEW Brisbane Roar recruit Jamie Maclaren says he’s not spooked by the A- League club’s serious financial problems.

One of the competition’s most indemand free agents, former Perth Glory striker Maclaren ignored interest from several other clubs to pledge his future to the Roar. The 21- year- old touched down in Brisbane on Sunday and trained with his new teammates for the first time yesterday morning.

Maclaren’s signing comes after a tumultuous week for the club, in which players were delivered their wages three weeks late, some staff were not paid and major sponsor The Coffee Club decided not to renew its lucrative front- of- shirt deal. But Maclaren said he had been assured by coach John Aloisi that the Roar’s problems were only temporary.

“I’m not bothered about the stuff that goes on behind the scenes that I can’t control,” he said “I’m here to play football.”

Lawrence Thomas and Jesse Maka- rounas have extended their stay at ALeague champions Melbourne Victory. Thomas, who kept goal and recorded clean sheets during Victory’s successful finals campaign, has signed on for an additional two seasons.

Makarounas, who was restricted to a bit- part role in Victory’s championship season, has signed for one more season.