Wilkinson set for Jeonbuk Motors talks
11 July 2012 11:44
Central Coast Mariners captain Alex Wilkinson is set for a move abroad after receiving permission to meet with Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors.
The Mariners said while no transfer deal has been reached, the central defender is free to discuss personal terms with the K-League champions.
"Central Coast Mariners have late this afternoon granted captain Alex Wilkinson permission to fly to Korea Republic at the request of Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors for a period of seven days," the club said in a statement.
"Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors have expressed an interest in acquiring Wilkinson's services, and the Mariners are committed to allowing the popular, long-serving defender the opportunity to discuss personal terms and decide whether a move to the K-League may be of interest to him and his family."
Wilkinson, who was one of Central Coast's inaugural signings in 2005, spent four months on loan at Chinese Super League side Jiangsu Sainty before returning to lead the Mariners to the A-League premiership last season.
Meanwhile, Central Coast utility Brad Porter has called time on his playing career at the age of 25.
Porter, who made 90 appearances over six years at the Mariners, has been sidelined for nearly two years with a serious knee injury.
"It's been a tough decision to make to have to retire from the game, but at the end of the day I did the injury nearly two years ago now and in that time it's been extremely frustrating trying to come back and having setbacks," he said.
Porter said he would pursue a career as a coach and plans to spend further time working with Central Coast boss Graham Arnold.
"Even when I was fully fit I had dreams that when I retired I was going to get into coaching," he said.
"I guess it's just come a little earlier than I expected.
"I've spoken to Arnie and he's more than happy to have me in, so I'm going to be in and around the squad.
"I'll be like a sponge, soaking in information and I guess looking at things at a different perspective."
