Former Brisbane Roar star Charlie Miller has signed a short-term injury replacement contract with Gold Coast United and will take his place in the squad for this weekend's trip to Newcastle.
Miller ended his tenure at Brisbane Roar late last week and Gold Coast United Head Coach, Miron Bleiberg, swooped to secure his signature as United prepare for the business end of the Hyundai A-League season.
The mercurial Miller joins the Gold Coast roster as a replacement player for Brazilian midfielder Robson, who is ruled out until the New Year with a knee injury.
A long time admirer of the talented Scot, Miron Bleiberg said the opportunity to sign Miller was unexpected and an "early Christmas present" for United.
"I was asked by Scott Higgins if Charlie could come and train with us to keep fit and we were happy to accommodate as that is the gentlemanly thing to do," Bleiberg said.
"We began to explore our options last Monday and we are very happy that we have finally arrived at a situation whereby Charlie was able to sign with us.
"I have felt for some weeks that we could do with another player in midfield who could add something to the team in terms of creating opportunities for our strikers and Charlie fits the bill very nicely.
"He will add something extra to what is already an exceptional midfield department.
"It's almost like an early Christmas present for us. I have admired his talent for some time and he is player who people will pay to come and watch."
An understandably happy Miller said he was excited about signing for Miron Bleiberg's side and hoped to make a significant contribution to United's title quest, starting this week against Newcastle Jets.
"It all happened very quickly. I was hoping just to train with Gold Coast to stay fit, so to have ended up signing with the club is an added bonus," he said.
"I'm really delighted to have signed with Gold Coast United and I'm really looking forward to the challenge. Hopefully I will get a start on Sunday in Newcastle and produce the goods for the team.
"I've trained with the club all week and there are some very good players here. They're a great bunch of lads and they are very focussed on being successful. Hopefully I can make a good contribution and help the club achieve its goals."
