Fox Sports Football expert Simon Hill says if Usain Bolt joins the Central Coast Mariners, it will reduce the A-League to a “sideshow”.
The Mariners released a statement this morning confirming negotiations have taken place between the two parties, but stressed “it is crucial to note that all discussions between the Central Coast Mariners and Bolt require an initial six-week-trial period and no contract is guaranteed”.
According to Hill, the signing wouldn’t particularly be a positive one for the development of the A-League.
“If it’s a marketing stunt then great, it’s got people talking about the A-League, I don’t mind that,” he told SEN Breakfast.
“If they’re being serious, no. Please. The guy, as brilliant an athlete as he was and is, he isn’t a professional footballer.
“He might be quite handy, I don’t know, but for me, if we are going to go down that road, we are reducing the A-League to a sideshow, a circus freak show, a gimmick.
“We don’t need it. The league is a serious competition.
“If we are going to bring in big stars, then let’s get proper marquee players, for which you have to pay.”
Listen to Simon Hill’s chat with Garry Lyon and Tim Watson on SEN Breakfast in the player below