Broadfoot steps up

Signing on as injury cover for Matt Osman, striker Chris Broadfoot's story is sure to be a crowd favorite for Gold Coast United. Broadfoot, who last year supported GCU as a part of The Beach, will now play a part on the pitch as well. Named in the side traveling to NIB Stadium to face Perth Glory, Broadfoot was promoted from the local football league on the Gold Coast.

“It was great that we had a hometown team to support and it was great going to watch them every week,” he said.

“Obviously you hope that maybe you'll get a chance but when I wasn't involved in the first year, when they had a lot of local players trialling, I didn't think it would work out for me but luckily Miron spotted me playing and I got my chance.

“To go from there onto the pitch is going to be fantastic if I get some game time this Sunday.”

Whilst he may see game time against Perth, it will be greatly interesting to see how he is received in his new home stadium of Skilled Park - next Sunday against the Central Coast Mariners. It is a great opportunity for the club to grow closer to their fan-base, and the local community - and if handled correctly, a marketing win.

Sure enough, the move hasn't gone unnoticed. Skeptics might even have you believe the signing is a much needed publicity stunt. Head Coach Miron Blieberg:

“Maybe that's a sign to show everyone to join the supporters club; you might get a career in the Hyundai A-League!

“I think it's a testimony to all the people involved in football on the Gold Coast. Chris is now the fourth player to have learnt his football on the Gold Coast from a junior age and make it to Gold Coast United - it started with Smeltzy, Steve Fitzsimmons, Glen Moss and now Chris Broadfoot.

“That's basically the essence and the vision of Clive Palmer when he started this club, to give a chance for local boys to further their career.”