Burton Albion show interest in giving Usain Bolt a trial

So said the club chairman

Posted Thursday, August 17, 2017 by Marca.com

While Usain Bolt's track career may have arrived to an emotional end, he could may have a future in sport as Burton Albion have shown an interest in the Jamaican.

Ben Robinson, the chairman of the Championship club, has a real desire to offer the multiple-time Olympic medallist a trial at the Pirelli Stadium.

"I'm sure we would [offer a trial] and that the manager would," said the 71-year-old to The Sun.

"He's quick, if nothing else!"

During his career, the sprinter has always expressed his passion for football and the potential of playing professionally one day, with rumours of training with Borussia Dortmund and Manchester United, although Burton would seem the more likelier option.

"If you look at Adam Gemili, who was in the 4x100m relay, he played football when he was younger," Robinson said.

"We would be very interested, obviously."

Coach Nigel Clough might have slightly different opinions on an idea that could be a mere novelty, but their president is interested nonetheless.

"I'm sure the manager would give him a trial," said Robinson.

"He's done a tremendous amount for his sport.

"If he can apply the same amount of enthusiasm and dedication to soccer then who knows what might lie ahead?

"The standard is very high and, obviously, he would need a level of talent to get his place in the team."

As for Clough, the coach adopted a less serious tone towards the idea.

"It's a good job he [the chairman] doesn't pick the players then, isn't it?" said the 51-year-old.

"That's the first I've heard of it.

"There is nothing in it as far as I am concerned."

The former Sheffield United boss is focused on the upcoming fixtures of his squad as opposed to the possible trial offered to the famous athlete.

"Would I be interested? No," he said.

"I'm interested in trying to get a win on Friday night, no distractions.

Following his bronze medal in his final 100 meters race in London, Bolt suffered an injury which prevented him from finishing in the 4x100 meters relay race at the London stadium.