Gold Coast United has given one of their star signings – Adam Griffiths – permission to transfer to Saudi Arabian football club Al Shahab.
GCU coach Miron Bleiberg said that while Griffiths was an important part of the team the monetary offer from the Saudi club was too good to turn down.
“We had a very big offer to release Adam,” Bleiberg said.
“In the end it’s a business decision, everybody has their price and I think the offer exceeded the price.”
Bleiberg also pointed out that the club was keen to allow Griffiths the opportunity to do what he felt was best for himself and his family.
“Adam is almost 30 and we won’t stand in the way of him earning in one year an amount which can settle him for life.”
Although nothing has been signed, only a failed medical will stop the transaction from becoming complete.
Griffiths was outstanding in United’s debut win against the Brisbane Roar, his combination at the back with Bass Van Den Brink proved impregnable, but Bleiberg insists that his possible defection won’t harm United’s chances.
“He was one of our main signings, yes, and against the Roar he was one of the best three players on the field, but I think that we have the personnel in the team to cover for him.”
“All the players who were on the fringe such as Kristian (Rees) and Steve (Pantelidis) now have a bigger chance to play.”
Both Rees and Pantelidis came off the bench in the second half against the Roar and continued where the starters left off by refusing to forfeit a goal in general play.
Only a Sergio Van Dijk penalty in the 90th minute sullied United’s defensive effort, an outstanding achievement for the new club especially considering Brisbane’s dominance of possession and position.
Pantelidis – who won a championship with Melbourne Victory – said that he felt rejuvenated as a player on the Gold Coast and was still buzzing after being part of the new team’s historic first win.
“It was a great result last week and it will be great to play a bigger part in the games coming up,” he said.
“If I happen to get an opportunity this week against the Fury, there is no doubt that I will do my best to take it.”
