06 Dec Bolton: More could follow Cahill out Melbourne City exit door

Former Melbourne City goalkeeper Clint Bolton is expecting an exodus of sorts at the A-League club.

Australian football legend Tim Cahill announced today that he has quit City, citing the search for regular football as the major reason for his departure.

Cahill, who celebrates his 38th birthday today, is determined to push for a spot in the Socceroos squad at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia and Bolton suggests this is why the decision should come as no surprise whatsoever.

“No shock,” Bolton told Football Nation.

“I think Tim has made his intentions pretty clear publicly, so he pre-empted it.

“I don’t see how there can be much shock about it. I think the timing is more the shock.

“It’s before the January transfer window so that make it seem like he’s got something lined up immediately.”

Bolton also believes that City should be bracing themselves for further departures such is the manner in which head coach Warren Joyce has operated since his arrival in June.

“I can only speculate, but it appears that there has been a difference of opinion, not only between Timmy and the coach, but possibly others and the coach,” the ex-Melbourne Heart and Sydney FC gloveman added.

“I think this will be only the first of a few to leave the club during the next couple of months. There’s clearly some issues there at Melbourne City.

“Timmy’s an important player still for the Socceroos so for him to get offside with a coach at club level has to be sorted out. This looks the road they’ve taken.”

Asked for a gut feel on Cahill’s presence in Russia, Bolton added: “With a new coach it’s up in the air again, but I would say yes.”

Cahill’s former Socceroos teammate Archie Thompson also spoke to Football Nation regarding the decision of the Everton great.

“I was shocked that he’s left so soon but I had an inkling,” said Thompson.

“If he wants to be part of this World Cup, and he knows it, that he needs to play regular football so that’s why he’s made the decision he has.

“It’s fair enough because Ange (Postecoglou) is not at the helm any more, spots are not guaranteed and whoever is going to come in (as new Socceroos coach), would want their players to be playing regular football.

“10-15 minutes here or there is not going to do it.

“It’s disappointing or us as A-League fans and obviously too for Melbourne City supporters but he wants to be a part of a World Cup.

“He came back to Australia to give back to the game but to be playing regularly and to be part of the qualification of the Socceroos.

“You can say what you want about him, but purely his decision is to be playing regularly and hopefully he finds a team soon and he can go to another World Cup.”

Thompson added: “Knowing Timmy, when you think he’s down and out, he pops out with something.

“That’s what true champions are made of. I hope he’s there.”

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