[Image: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images]
Queensland football fans could be among the first in Australia to see Tim Cahill in action for new club Melbourne City.
In a blockbuster announcement, City today confirmed the signing of the Caltex Socceroos’ all-time leading goalscorer for the next two seasons.
Cahill is slated to begin training with his new side on Monday, 15 August ahead of a possible competitive debut in the Westfield FFA Cup against Brisbane Strikers later this month.
Strikers last night drew City in the Round of 16 in what will be the Queensland club’s first home match in the competition’s history.
Could @Tim_Cahill make his debut for @MelbourneCity in the @FFACup against @BneStrikers? https://t.co/XwP6Csdl6U
— Hyundai A-League (@ALeague) August 10, 2016
Northern fans could also get an early look at the former Everton star with City’s pre-season schedule featuring a tour of Townsville in September.
The Hyundai A-League glamour club will take on PlayStation® 4 National Premier Leagues outfit Northern Fury on 7 September before meeting Wellington Phoenix four days later.
Fury Chairman Rabieh Krayem said the possibility of Cahill playing in Townsville – alongside the likes of Bruno Fornaroli, Ivan Franjic and Luke Brattan – is massive boost for local football fans in the region.
“Our understanding is that Melbourne City will bring their full squad, including all their marquee players, and hopefully that will include Tim Cahill,” Krayem said.
“It’s great for the region because a lot of our fans have never seen Tim Cahill play except on television.
We are beyond excited to learn that @Tim_Cahill will be in #Townsville NEXT MONTH! #MelbourneCity #ALeague
— Northern Fury (@NthFuryFC) August 10, 2016
“Melbourne City will be here for eight days so hopefully it’s a great opportunity for Fury fans, Melbourne City fans and Socceroos fans to see Tim Cahill in action.”
Brisbane Strikers captain Michael Angus is also looking forward to the potential drawing power of Cahill in their upcoming Westfield FFA Cup clash.
“It’s all about coming up against an A-League side and some of the big names in the league and Melbourne City and Tim Cahill are amongst the biggest names you can get,” Angus said.
“We’ll be hoping that he plays and it makes it all the more exciting for people to come out and watch the game.”
WESTFIELD FFA CUP – ROUND OF 16
Brisbane Strikers FC v Melbourne City FC
Fixture and ticket details to be confirmed
FRIENDLY MATCH
Northern Fury FC v Melbourne City FC
Wednesday, September 7 | 7:00PM
Townsville Sports Reserve, Townsville
Tickets – $10 (Adults), Free (Under 15 and Concession)
CLICK HERE TO PRE-PURCHASE TICKETS
FRIENDLY MATCH
Melbourne City FC v Wellington Phoenix FC
Sunday, September 11 | 3:00PM
Townsville Sports Reserve, Townsville
$15 (Adults), $5 (Under 15 and Concession)
CLICK HERE TO PRE-PURCHASE TICKETS
