Postecoglou says no money for McKay
Brisbane coach Ange Postecoglou says his defending A-League champions have absolutely no intention of paying Scottish power club Rangers a fat fee to buy back former inspirational skipper Matt McKay.
This week’s announcement that the wealthy Bakrie Group had upped their shares in the Roar from 70 per cent to 100 per cent triggered renewed speculation the Roar would pay whatever Rangers were asking to get the out-of-favour midfielder back as a marquee player outside the A-League’s $2.4 million salary cap.
McKay wants out of his three-year deal with Rangers which at the time boosted the Roar’s coffers by $400,000.
But Postecoglou said on Tuesday neither he nor the club were interested in paying any money for his return.
“Nothing new there,” he said when asked about reports the Roar were considering paying the Scottish giants to secure McKay.
“He (McKay) won’t be coming to Brisbane Roar. He wasn’t (coming) last week and he’s not (coming) this week.
“The last time I spoke to Matt he was keen, but it’s not his decision, it’s down to his club.
“His club says they won’t sell him or loan him out without a fee and we’re not interested in that.
“I said that last week and nothing’s changed since.
“People can speculate as much as they like but I’m not in the habit of lying and what I said last week stands.”
Postecoglou said just because the club had a wealthy backer it didn’t mean they would splash out money on players.
“If we had that money we’d be spending it on a training facility to ensure this club is around for 50 years,” he said.
Postecoglou was more concerned about his side’s weekend clash with Wellington Phoenix after their huge 2-0 away result against the Central Mariners last weekend.
“It was always going to be a tough encounter going down there (Gosford) so to come away with a convincing win, I was pretty pleased,” he said.
“They haven’t lost down there for a while and they’d been unbeaten for a while.”
His players face a similar challenge this weekend when they cross the Tasman looking to improve their position on the ladder heading into the finals.
“It won’t be easy. They will have a big crowd but we kind of like that challenge,” said Postecoglou.
© AAP 2013The Crowd Says (10) | Page 1 of Comments
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February 8th 2012 @ 9:58am
Ranger said | February 8th 2012 @ 9:58am | Report comment
U sold us a Dud player for $400,000 and now you want to take him back for free,
typical cheap skate aleague clubs!
February 8th 2012 @ 10:23am
Roarchild said | February 8th 2012 @ 10:23am | Report comment
If your really Scottish wouldn’t that be a compliment
February 8th 2012 @ 10:39pm
Evan Askew said | February 8th 2012 @ 10:39pm | Report comment
Lol!
February 8th 2012 @ 10:35am
futbanous said | February 8th 2012 @ 10:35am | Report comment
Agree training facilities of our own are a priority if the club is to be a shaker & mover In Asia.
Matt took a gamble based on a dream(plus a bit of a push maybe from Craig) doesn’t seem to have paid off.
Given his age,not suprising really.
Of course like Roarchild taking a Scottish slant on it, a freemack wouldn’t be knocked back.
February 8th 2012 @ 12:50pm
Realfootball said | February 8th 2012 @ 12:50pm | Report comment
The 400K would be long gone servicing Roar’s debt, which means that the new owners would have to stump up. No surprise it ain’t gonna happen. Ange is right – spend the money on a training base. He is also obviously confident he has the players to lift the Championship as is – and he is likely right.
What Brisbane need is a quality striker, not another midfielder, all respect to McKay. Like Murdocca, he never scored anywhere near enough goals.
February 8th 2012 @ 1:47pm
futbanous said | February 8th 2012 @ 1:47pm | Report comment
If Massimo was in Robin Hoods gang he would have been the bloke who was up a tree watching out for the Sheriffs men ,whilst Robin & the rest were at Archery practice.
No way would I have let him near a bow unless you wanted your eye out.
February 8th 2012 @ 2:13pm
Realfootball said | February 8th 2012 @ 2:13pm | Report comment
Nice metaphor.
February 8th 2012 @ 12:59pm
Johnno said | February 8th 2012 @ 12:59pm | Report comment
There have been rumors swirling round in football circles, that age is heading home to Melbourne next year to join the Heart, very interesting.
February 8th 2012 @ 2:15pm
Realfootball said | February 8th 2012 @ 2:15pm | Report comment
Certainly would be a perfect team for him. Big loss for Brisbane if it happens, but as Roar supporter I could only wish him the best – particularly as the Heart are my second team.
Can’t see it happening, though.
February 8th 2012 @ 2:15pm
Rellum said | February 8th 2012 @ 2:15pm | Report comment
Any sort of link to back that up?