Robbie Slater: Usain Bolt’s Mariners journey a let-down
THE prospect of Olympic legend Usain Bolt making the transition to an A-League career was a tantalising concept but it has ended in disappointment because cash came first, writes Robbie Slater.
Football
Don't miss out on the headlines from Football. Followed categories will be added to My News.
COULD Usain Bolt have become a professional footballer in Australia?
That question has been asked nearly as many times as his debut goal for Central Coast was watched on Twitter around the world.
And rightly so, because the prospect of a 32-year-old track legend slipping seamlessly into the complexities of the beautiful game is one of the most fascinating sporting transition attempts to date.
I was hooked by the story of Bolt’s sojourn to Gosford, how he appeared slightly nervous at the outset and ready to put in the hard yards at the A-league’s smallest club in his quest to fulfil a dream he says he’s held dear since childhood.
Now it ends in disappointment for me, because I didn’t think this deal’s undoing would be money.
MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
ARZANI TO SEE SPECIALIST AFTER LIKELY ACL TEAR
Bolt is entitled to be paid handsomely for the skill he’s performed so extraordinarily well for the past decade – sprinting.
But there’s a big difference in what his camp was asking for here. This is football, and he’s not yet accomplished in this realm.
He had every right to pursue this aspiration, many of us encouraged him and we were certainly excited at the way he put the A-League’s name on the global stage.
In terms of raw ability, I couldn’t say whether he would have made the grade based on what I observed over his few appearances.
Many believe he doesn’t have what it takes, but I saw improvement in that second game in Campbelltown, where he scored a couple of goals including one very good finish.
The signs for me were positive. Perhaps with enough work over a lengthy period, he might reach the level required.
As it turns out we’ll never know. And why? Cash.
That’s the dispiriting factor for me.
The Mariners offered a contract, and I’m sure third parties would have boosted that sum to a certain amount.
But whatever it was clearly wasn’t considered enough for his management, despite the fact he’d already be very wealthy given his global brand.
And that’s disappointing for the fans, for those who wanted him to sign and have a go.
He still carries the name of Usain Bolt, and I understand that gives him a better chance of obtaining trials.
But that does not automatically make him a footballer.
Let’s face it, to get there at his age would be a massive success story to top off an already remarkable sporting career.
And it should have been about the dream, not the money.
Get every match of the 2018/19 Hyundai A-League LIVE. Get Sport HD + Entertainment with no lock in contract and no iQ4 set up costs. SIGN UP TODAY! T&C’s Apply