Central Coast hero Daniel McBreen walked out of Allianz Stadium into an uncertain future as the club debates whether to sign him to a new deal.
You’d think a striker with 19 goals for the season, the Joe Marston medal and a grand final victory under his belt would be knocked down in the rush to re-sign him.
You’d be wrong.
Central Coast hero Daniel McBreen walked out of Allianz Stadium on Sunday night and into an uncertain future as the club debates whether to sign him to a new deal or cut him loose.
McBreen may be turning 36 on Tuesday but is arguably in career-best form.
The 2012/13 Golden Boot winner wants to stay at Gosford but that’s in the hands of new owner Mike Charlesworth, who continues to dither over a new contract.
McBreen could join the expected exodus out of the club as a result of the protracted negotitiatons.
“Not sure yet. Hopefully we can work something out here,” he said when asked about his future.
“I love it here (but) we just have to work out a contract.
“We’ve spoken but (owner) Mike (Charlesworth) wanted to go through the books so all offers have been off the table the last few weeks while he went through and sorted out what he wanted to do.
“It’s up to them to come to me now.”
Asked if he would play on at another club if Central Coast didn’t come to the party, McBreen responded: “Definitely. I feel like I’ve got a few years left in me.
“I felt the best I’ve ever felt the last couple of years. I feel great and hopefully I can keep playing for a few more years.”
McBreen’s grand final performance will surely speed up negotiations.
The Mariners frontman was a constant threat, upsetting the usually rock-solid Wanderers’ defence with his physicality and ability to run at them and ask questions.
He kept his cool to convert the match-sealing penalty in the 68th minute, ensuring Central Coast would finally get it right after three previous losing attempts on grand final day.
He was a deserved winner of the Joe Marston medal.
“It was a nice personal milestone. It’s a great privilege and an honour,” McBreen said.
“It could have been a number of people on the pitch and luckily for me it was me.
“Both teams were tremendous and put up a great show and it’s all a bit surreal (to win the award).”
