Could the world’s fastest man be headed for the Cymru Premier League?
Olympic champion, Usain Bolt has made no secret of his desire to become a professional footballer.
Star athletes dreaming of a post retirement career change is nothing new, but rumours have it that Bolt could actually make the grade – his admirers include legendary Sir Alex Ferguson.
He even went so far as to have trials with A League side, Central Coast Mariners and Bundesliga giants, Borussia Dortmund. Despite some favourable feedback, no contract could be agreed with either club and in January of this year, Bolt appeared to have given up on his dream.
But Welsh champions, The New Saints, could prove to be the answer to Bolt’s prayers.
The January transfer window opens in less than a month’s time and Bolt and the Saints could well be a perfect match.
The Oswestry side have won the Cymru Premier League (recently rebranded from the Welsh Premier League) a record eight years in succession and are the league’s only full time club. Although they currently sit two points behind leaders, Connah’s Quay Nomads, few would seriously bet against them retaining the title. Even if they missed out on top spot, finishing outside the top three would be frankly unthinkable. So, the Saints can offer Bolt pretty much guaranteed European football next term. In short, a stage.
Although they aren’t a heavy hitter like the Dortmunds or the Manchester Uniteds that Bolt may have had his heart set on, they represent a pragmatic solution to his dilemma. Full time football, a real shot at glory, and a platform to show the world what he can do.
Were Bolt to sign, say, an eighteen month contract with The New Saints, that would give him the chance to set the league alight, realisitically get at least six European matches under his belt, and a clutch of medals to boot, before securing a transfer to a higher level.
The move would be great for TNS as well. Their owner, Mike Harris, is no stranger to innovation in pushing his club, and the league, forwards. Just the name, Usain Bolt, would draw supporters to their games if only to witness the novelty of an Olympic record breaker gracing the Welsh top flight. Bums on seats equals money in the bank. And if Bolt is as good as it’s rumoured he is, he could prove an invaluable asset on the pitch as well as off.
In short, Usain Bolt and TNS could be a match made in heaven.
The views expressed in this post are entirely my own.
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