The job of luring Charlie Miller to the Gold Coast was made a little easier for owner Clive Palmer after United grabbed a gutsy 2-1 A-League win over Central Coast Mariners on Saturday night.
Miller was spotted sitting next to Palmer at Skilled Park before the match – and he would have left impressed following the Gold Coast’s come from behind win over the high flying Mariners.
Miller was initially linked to North Queensland Fury when he sensationally walked out on the Roar on Friday after coach Ange Postecoglou could not promise him a future in Brisbane beyond this season.
But United may yet be frontrunners for his signature after keeping alive their hopes of a top two finish with their first win in three weeks.
Once the championship favourites, the up-start newcomers were in danger of dropping out of the top four for the first time due to a lean run that included just three wins in their last 11 games.
However, United found themselves back in the winner’s circle after goals by Kiwi marksman Shane Smeltz – his 12th of the season – and youngster Andrew Barisic cancelled out Matt Simon’s first half effort.
The Mariners had been sailing along nicely ahead of the United clash, enjoying an unbeaten run of four games.
And they looked like extending that when Simon, making his starting return since recovering from a back injury, certainly proved his fitness in the 39th minute.
Latching onto a Nicky Travis cross, Simon’s diving header proved too good for an exasperated Jess van Stratten.
The 4,117-strong Coast faithful finally had something to cheer about when Smeltz’s header converted Barisic’s cross in the 68th minute.
But cheers turned to jeers in the 72nd minute when Smeltz was denied a goal after being deemed off-side – although replays showed the decision was dubious.
Barisic – recalled for just his second game after scoring seven goals in as many National Youth League games – was in the thick of the action again before Smeltz was denied.
But Barisic had the last laugh in the 76th minute when he pounced on captain Jason Culina’s ricocheted shot off keeper Andrew Redmayne.
United were desperate to make a statement on Saturday night, keen to capitalise on a great run in which they play their next four out of five games at home.
Gold Coast rebounded well from their last round 4-0 mauling at Melbourne and also enjoyed a bit of payback following their 3-0 defeat at Gosford in their last meeting with the Mariners.
Culina admitted it was “devastating” to trail 1-0 at halftime despite dominating the first stanza.
“The score wasn’t a true reflection of the game, that’s what hurt the most,” he said.
“I didn’t really know what to say at half-time, except get a little bit upset and try and psyche the boys up.
“I said before the game we need to start stringing a few wins together because after Newcastle (next round) we have three games at home – the next few weeks are huge for us.
“But the team showed great character.”
Culina and coach Miron Bleiberg had special praise for Barisic.
The super sub was inspirational in the second half, opening up a Mariners defence that had conceded just nine goals all season ahead of the Saturday night clash.
But Bleiberg was uncharacteristically coy when asked about his masterstroke of bringing on Barisic.
“It worked. Either I am a good coach or I am lucky,” he smiled.
Bleiberg was more forthcoming when asked about Smeltz having a goal denied due to off-side.
“From what I saw on the replay, it wasn’t an offside,” he said.
“But those are the types of wins that give you a lot of encouragement – they build character and guts.”
AndyRoo
Guest
i think Ange wants to get rid of the drinking culture and Miller is likely a part of that. And entertaining as he can be th bloke can't play 90 mins. When he was the extra ingredient to help the Roar win the title that's ok. Now that we are likely going to lose Moore (Apparently had a falling out with Ange allready over a team talk where they won 4-1), Tiatto, Reddy, malcolm....and hopefully Reinaldo. Also possibly Sergio (big blow if he goes) as there has been a lot of interest in them. well it's rebuilding time. They absolutely must hold onto Devere though, I wouldn't shed a tear for any of the above going except Sergio. Though obviously having a current Socceroo in moore should be great for PR.... but roar don't reall use him as much as they could or perhaps he isn't interested in it.
Pippinu
Roar Guru
I heard that they will have to send one of their Brazilians packing to sign Miller. Why is he leaving the Roar?
Pippinu
Roar Guru
It's hard to tell with this replay - they only do it once in real time and it's not a good angle - but on Fox last night they did it in slo mo and it was obvious that at the very worst, Smeltz was in line.
KB
Guest
Just had another look (x3) and now I'm not so sure... :) when the ball is hit he seems to be just in line, but I still can't decide 100% either way now... but I would have ruled him offside when the linesman and I were in the same line of sight ... flag up Offside....
KB
Guest
GCU FC have two spots they still can fill ... I would like to see Charlie fill one of them if we can get him in top shape as far as fitness is concern, he still has plenty to offer... I felt he and Angie were a pair that were going to lock horns eventually...
KB
Guest
Smeltz is in the box and the CCM player is just outside the box when Zenon Caravella hits a rebound pass to him ... Are you blind...? Anyone here would think you are a GCU fan and I'm not...
Pippinu
Roar Guru
Oh - I see - the CCM player keeping Smeltz on-side puts his hand up in desperatoin - then clearly it must be off-side!! Good on the ref for taking the word of the team that has just conceded rather than relying on his own eyes!!
Realfootball
Guest
I can see how a younger Charlie played for Rangers, but Bob Malcom? If that big lug really played for Rangers in the SPL, then the SPL ain't much to write home about.
KB
Guest
have another look... CCM player with his hand up in the air
AndyRoo
Guest
Special deal for Clive since I like him..... Every charlie miller comes with a free bob Malcolm
Pippinu
Roar Guru
The replay clearly showed the opposite - it's impossible to miss - the CCM defender was right on the line of the six yard box - and Smeltz was a foot outside of it - you don't pay off side just because it looks close.
KB
Guest
It was just offside--I was seated behind the linesmen, the linesman got the decision right -- it clearly shows that on the video to confirm what I saw seated behind the linesman and that's an impartial view coming from a GCU FC supporter... ~~~~~~ KB
Pippinu
Roar Guru
There was an amazing turn around in this game. Twenty minutes into the second half, and CCM were absolutely cruising, GCU lacked penetration, they were starting to argue amongst themselves, the body language was kicking in again - all on top of the bookies giving GCU $11 for the win at half time!! But once the break through came, with good work from Barasic, a deadly cross, and Smeltz bravely getting his head to it and getting the monkey off his back - GCU completely dominated the rest of the game - completely dominated!! I lost cont of the number of three on ones GCU manufactured thereafter!! When moments earlier - the whole CCM teams was permanently camped round their box! One word of frustration - we saw yet again another hopeless offside call deny GCU a goal. Pathetic. On this occasion, the linesman was directly in line with the relevant players, and the ball from Caravella came from only a few metres away. The CCM player was standing on the edge of the six yard box, and Smeltz was one foot outside of the box - so the linesman should have had a clear view of all of this unfold - it smacked of complete incompetence. What's worse - the 4th official would have known within 10 seconds that that was a bad offside call - this is the most frustrating aspect of it all. Honestly - there is zero reason why fans should have to put up with such terrible, incompetent decisions.