Mariners say Usain Bolt won’t train until contract finalised

THE Central Coast Mariners have said that Usain Bolt’s future at the club will be reliant on a third party deal and he won’t train until his contract is sorted, as speculation about his future continues to swirl.

Usain Bolt leaving training. Picture: AAP Image/Joel Carrett

USAIN Bolt will not train with the Central Coast Mariners this week as speculation continues to swirl around his future with the club.

In a statement this morning the Mariners said the two parties are locked in contract negotiations at present and until the matter is sorted the sprinting legend will not train with the senior squad to avoid any unnecessary distractions.

Bolt has been with the club for over two months. Picture: PETER PARKS / AFP

It follows rumours that the offer tabled to Bolt, which was unconfirmed by Central Coast until today, promises significantly less financial reimbursement than was initially discussed when he first arrived.

And while the club was adamant the contract values speculated in the media — around $150,000 for one year — were “incorrect”, they suggested that without the support of an external third party it would be “unlikely that Usain Bolt and the Central Coast Mariners will agree to terms”.

The two parties are locked in contract negotiations. Picture: PETER PARKS / AFP

“There are two main terms of discussion involved in this negotiation: football and commercial,” the statement said.

“Regarding the football terms of the negotiations, Usain has made great progression during his time on the Central Coast and we feel that he will improve further with more individual intensive training and competitive game time.

Will he have the chance to celebrate with Jordan Murray again? Picture: PETER PARKS / AFP

“We are looking at ways to do this as the Club does not have the luxury to be able to do this in the Hyundai A-League.

“Regarding the commercial terms of the negotiations, Usain Bolt’s management and the Central Coast Mariners are in conversations with external partners to find a commercial solution that suits all parties.

The iconic celebration could be on his way out. Picture: PETER PARKS / AFP

“Both parties are eager to explore all options and ensure that if there is a suitable way forward for both player and Club, the two parties will keep working together and formalise an agreement.

The Central Coast Mariners will make no further comment on this matter until there is an update on the situation.”