Shaun Mielekamp said that the Mariners' press conference backdrop has more logos than ever.GETTY IMAGES
It was "instructive" that as A-League side Central Coast Mariners CEO Shaun Mielekamp spoke Wednesday about Usain Bolt coming to the club, he did so sitting in front of a board that was "filled with" sponsors' logos, according to Ray Gatt of THE AUSTRALIAN. Even before the eight-time Olympic Gold Medalist has "stepped foot" in Australia, the Mariners, "regarded as one of the smallest clubs in the A-League," are "starting to reap some major rewards from a situation that has captured worldwide attention." Mielekamp said, "Our media backdrop says it all ... more logos than we have ever had on it before. We are speaking to companies we wouldn't have been speaking with a few weeks ago. The phones are ringing pretty hot. They have been asking what's on offer, what's available and how we are going to structure the sponsorships." Potentially, there is "more to come," and Mielekamp, "mindful of the Mariners' standing as a community-based club, is not talking about sponsorships from your local coffee shop in Gosford, The Entrance or Tuggerah." While he was not prepared to put a figure on the potential earnings from sponsors, having Bolt's name associated with the club "is not going to come cheap." Mielekamp said, "Our aim and the real appetite is from Sydney sponsors like development companies." He also admitted that the club has been working with Bolt's management about how best to utilize the sponsors involved with the Jamaican. Mielekamp: "They have been very helpful. It is very exciting" (THE AUSTRALIAN, 8/9). The AAP's Vince Rugari reported Bolt will be "working off a clean slate when he begins his Central Coast Mariners trial," with coach Mike Mulvey admitting he has not reviewed any footage of Bolt's "failed stints with clubs around the world." Mulvey will reserve judgment until the 31-year-old arrives later this month in Gosford, where he has agreed to live for the duration of his "indefinite" trial period. Mulvey said, "I've had three dozen guys coming in for trials, I haven't had time to go and watch every player that's come in for training. ... I'm sure when he arrives he'll give a good account for himself and we'll see what happens from there. If it works, he will be offered a contract" (AAP, 8/8).
