Usain Bolt at the Central Coast Mariners?
It’s happening! Well, sort of.
The world’s fastest man has accepted an offer with the Mariners for an “indefinite training period” which gives him the chance to fulfil his dream of becoming a professional footballer.
With that in mind, the bookies here at Ladbrokes have gotten creative and conjured up some interesting markets on Bolt’s footballing aspirations.
We’re set to welcome @usainbolt to @CCMariners for an indefinite training period. Let’s hear from the world’s fastest man.
Read more ⚡ https://t.co/kOtlPUPWz8 #CCMFC pic.twitter.com/LsSxYLSbhl
— Central Coast Mariners (@CCMariners) August 7, 2018
Usain Bolt to be A-League Top Goal Scorer in 2018/2019 – $201
What are the chances Usain turns into one of the all-time great A-League strikers, placing him alongside the likes of Archie Thompson, Besart Berisha, Shane Smeltz and Bobo to eventually win the Golden Boot? Highly doubtful. Usain strikes me as someone who likes a goal, but his speed and attack could cost him a lot of pesky offsides paid against him early on should he make the cut. At very long odds, Bolt shouldn’t challenge for this coveted honour.
To score a Penalty – $4
Just imagine, a packed Central Coast Stadium, F3 Derby, both a tied 3-3, it’s the 88th minute, a penalty is paid against the Jets and Usain Bolt takes the kick to the palm tree and sauce bottle end of Central Coast Stadium. Just imagine the scenes.
Round 1 Specials
There are no doubts the official broadcasters and marketing departments of the A-League and Central Coast Mariners would love the idea of the worlds fastest man playing in Round 1 of this season.
With the Central Coast Mariners scheduled to play the Brisbane Roar at Suncorp Stadium, perhaps the away team would prefer if he makes his potential debut when they play Melbourne City at Gosford in Round 2.
However, if they are keen to get Usain on the park first up, he’s at $3 to be named in the official starting line up for the Central Coast Mariners in Round 1.
Along with this, you can get $9 that Bolt not only plays but he scores a goal for the Mariners, and we’re even offering $101 that Usain scores a hat-trick in what would be one of the all-time great away wins for Central Coast.
The best value is Usain Bolt to come on as a substitute for the Central Coast Mariners in Round 1 at $3 which looks like the more realistic option.
To be sent off?
A dodgy tackle? An over the top celebration? A heated argument with a referee? Surely not our boy Bolt! But if you think Usain is capable of some undisciplined acts as a footballer you can get $17 for it.
How about – Usain Bolt comes on as a substitute and gets sent off in the same game? Imagine that!
To play for the Socceroos
Ok, this is a bit of a stretch but work with me on this one. Usain Bolt moves to Australia to play in the A-League. Turns out to be an absolute superstar of the game. Decides he loves the lifestyle and being part of the NSW Central Coast community, meets a lovely local girl and marries her.
Usain becomes a permanent resident of Australia, decides to take up citizenship, becomes a citizen and is still playing such good football in the A-League that coach Graham Arnold thinks he’s worthy of a Socceroos cap in his early-mid 30’s. There’s a good reason the bookies have this market at $151.
To play in the 2022 FIFA World Cup
So, going back to the previous market – Bolt has done all the steps to become a Socceroo and is now a mainstay of the squad, the Socceroos qualify for Qatar 2022 and Usain is ready to do us proud on the world’s biggest stage. In the words of Daryl Kerrigan “Tell him he’s dreamin'” – $251 in our market.
To score a goal in the A-League in 2018/2019 season
One of our markets with a more realistic chance of happening, but should Usain Bolt make his A-League debut this season, you know they’ll do everything they can to make sure he gets at least one through the keeper. The bookies have Bolt at $2.25 to score a goal this season should he make the cut.
To score a Hat Trick?
It’s a balmy summer night in Gosford and the Mariners are playing the likes of the Wellington Phoenix. The stadium is packed out with Central Coast fans and the night feels right for Usain to go insane in front of goal. He scores a hat-trick and the Mariners win 3-0. It COULD happen. $51 for Usain Bolt to score a hat-trick in any game during the 2018/2019 A-League Season, stranger things have happened!
To win the A-League?
Perhaps signing up the World’s fastest man is what will give the Central Coast Mariners the edge this upcoming season? Or Bolt gets traded to the likes of Melbourne Victory and goes on to win the A-League with them. The market is Usain Bolt to be an official member of the team that wins the 2018/2019 A-League Grand Final which our bookies have at $21.