Let fans play deciding role on signing Bolt, says Cahill
WHEN it comes to Usain Bolt potentially joining the A-League or any other issue in football, Tim Cahill believes it should boil down to what the fans want.
Central Coast chief executive Shaun Mielekamp is set to fly to London this weekend with high hopes of signing a deal for Bolt to undertake a six- week trial.
Football Federation Austra- lia ( FFA) must tip in about $ 900,000 from its marquee fund, established to help clubs sign stars capable of boosting the A- League’s profile, for the Mariners to sign the eight- time Olympic champion.
FFA is yet to indicate whether Bolt would satisfy the criteria that govern whether clubs can access marquee funds, suggesting that bridge will be crossed after a trial.
“In football, all that matters is what the fans want,” Cahill said when asked about Bolt’s proposed A- League stint.
“He’s a fantastic world- class athlete. Now he has to prove his fitness and prove he can play football.
“If he can, then it could be a success. I can’t … comment on whether he can do it because I’ve never seen him play.”
Bolt, who holds the 100m and 200m world records, retired from sprinting last year.
Many pundits believe signing the Jamaican sprinter would be a poor use of money from FFA’s marquee pot of $ 3 million.
Sydney FC captain Alex Brosque has no issue with the prospect of the fund being used to recruit Bolt.
“If we can attract big names, that’s what we want to do,” Brosque said. “We want bums on seats.
“If someone like Usain is going to do that – provided he can provide something on the field for the Mariners – then I’m all for it.”
Bolt has already trained with German club Borussia Dortmund, Norwegian outfit Stromsgodset and South African side Mamelodi Sundowns this year.