Auckland City have been dealt a body blow on the eve of the Fifa Club World Cup with the news that experienced defender Dean Gordon is about to quit and join the hapless NZ Knights.
Chairman Ivan Vuksich last night was peeved at the situation which will cost
the club dearly.
"No one from the Knights has bothered to come and see me which is very disappointing," said Vuksich. "The only contact has been in a telephone call from [Knights chairman] Anthony Lee who said [stand-in coach] Barry Simmonds would be in touch today or tomorrow to confirm they had offered Dean Gordon a contract through to the end of June with the possibility of playing for the Knights next season.
"It is hardly surprising a player of his age [33] would jump at the chance to switch from an amateur team to a professional one and with it the opportunity of being paid to play."
Gordon, who was with Vuksich as City's representative at the Oceania Champions League launch on Tuesday, played for Albany United in the winter before joining City. He formerly played in the English Premier League.
It is understood that he is able to get around the Fifa no more than two clubs in a year edict because he is going to play professionally.
Vuksich said the impending departure was especially disappointing as it had cost a City player, probably Ross McKenzie, the chance to go to Japan as Gordon cannot be replaced.
Gordon was also named in the 30-strong City squad for next year's O League and cannot be replaced in that either.
