Gold Coast United unveil first signing
A press conference that starts with a private helicopter arrival is never going to be subtle.
But cashed up A-League newcomers Gold Coast United still surprised with their audacity on Tuesday, ensuring a passionate rivalry with Queensland Roar before kicking a ball.
After United owner and billionaire businessman Clive Palmer arrived at the Gold Coast's Skilled Park with his first official signing - former Italian Serie A keeper Jess Vanstrattan - in his own helicopter, his head coach Miron Bleiberg let rip.
The ex-Roar coach took a swipe at his former club, saying they were "weaker" because they wasted money by paying players much more than they deserve.
Bleiberg can also look forward to renewing hostilities with John Kosmina after describing his club Sydney FC's past marquee signings Dwight Yorke and Juninho as "second rate" by the time they arrived in Australia.
Palmer then put in his two cents worth, reiterating the club's goal of winning the championship in their first season.
In keeping with their bold vision, Palmer also announced the Gold Coast would play their first game at none other than the Beijing Olympic centrepiece, the Bird's Nest, in June next year after forging an alliance with Chinese Super League club Beijing Guoan FC.
Bleiberg fired up after Palmer announced the 2009-2010 newcomers would on Wednesday send a promotional brochure - titled "Queensland's Premier Football Club" - to every A-League player as part of their recruitment.
Asked if he was interested in any Roar players, Bleiberg said: "On purpose, I haven't approached one player from the Roar.
"They are very scared of us poaching all their players.
"A lot of players from the Roar have already got much more money that they deserve to get, so the Roar are wasting their resources which makes them weaker.
"But I don't say no. There could be a player from the Roar who does not get a contract and will come and ask 'do you want my services?' I might consider it, but we are not going to be actively asking Roar players."
All 10 of next season's clubs - including the Gold Coast and fellow debutants North Queensland - are free to negotiate with an estimated 96 off contract players as of Wednesday.
The salary cap will restrict spending - but there are exemptions for one marquee player and guest players which will suit the Gold Coast club backed by $6 billion iron ore tycoon Palmer.
Bleiberg said they had big plans but took aim at Sydney FC when asked if that club had set the benchmark with their past marquee players, former England international Yorke and Brazil's Juninho.
"Both Juninho and Dwight Yorke came on the wrong side of 30 and both came in the last 10 per cent of their career," Bleiberg said.
"We are not going to adopt this vision. We are not going to bring second-rate players who come here for a retirement village.
"If we bring someone, it will be someone in the prime of their career, and can still improve and are hopefully on the right side of 30."
Vanstrattan, 26, was unveiled on Tuesday along with back-up stopper Scott Higgins and goalkeeping coach Graham Ross.
Gosford's Vanstrattan also did not escape a cheeky Bleiberg aside after revealing he had moved back to Australia to further his Socceroos ambitions.
"If Jess will do what he promised Clive and myself, that he will not concede one goal next season which is part of the contract, maybe he will be make the World Cup," Bleiberg laughed.
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