Former Brisbane Roar midfielder Charlie Miller has signed a short-term injury replacement contract with Gold Coast United and will be available to make his debut in this weekend’s match against Newcastle.
The talented Scotsman ended his tenure with the Roar last week and began training with Gold Coast to keep fit.
But despite coach Miron Bleiberg being very keen to sign the 33-year-old, the club was bound by FFA rules which prevent any player from signing on as a guest player in the same season they played with a rival Hyundai A-League club.
And United couldn’t sign Miller as an international player as it has already filled that quota.
But Bleiberg was able to bring the veteran to the club as an injury replacement for Brazilian midfielder Robson, who has been ruled out until January with a knee injury.
“I was asked by (goalkeeper) Scott Higgins if Charlie could come and train with us to keep fit and we were happy to accommodate as that is the gentlemanly thing to do,” Bleiberg said.
“We began to explore our options last Monday and we are very happy that we have finally arrived at a situation whereby Charlie was able to sign with us.”
“I have felt for some weeks that we could do with another player in midfield who could add something to the team in terms of creating opportunities for our strikers and Charlie fits the bill very nicely.”
“He will add something extra to what is already an exceptional midfield department.”
“It’s almost like an early Christmas present for us. I have admired his talent for some time and he is a player who people will pay to come and watch.”
A delighted Miller said he was excited about signing for the club and hoped to play his part in United’s title quest, starting this week against the Jets.
“It all happened very quickly. I was hoping just to train with Gold Coast to stay fit, so to have ended up signing with the club is an added bonus,” he said.
“I’m really delighted to have signed with Gold Coast United and I’m really looking forward to the challenge. Hopefully I will get a start on Sunday in Newcastle and produce the goods for the team.”
“I’ve trained with the club all week and there are some very good players here. They’re a great bunch of lads and they are very focused on being successful. Hopefully I can make a good contribution and help the club achieve its goals.”
Gold Coast CEO Clive Mensink thanked Football Federation Australia for its help in approving Miller’s signature in time for Sunday’s match against Newcastle.
“FFA have been very co-operative and understanding with us throughout this process and we thank them for their guidance,” Mensink said.
“We are very happy to have signed Charlie and we’re glad that his considerable talent will still be seen in the Hyundai A-League.”
