Australia NewsMariners Face Legal Row Over Gumprecht Contract |
EXCLUSIVE: The Mariners’ increasingly frosty relationship with Andre Gumprecht could worsen with the German-born midfielder set to take legal action against the club, au.fourfourtwo.com can reveal.
It’s understood Gumprecht has been working with the PFA (Professional Footballers Association) and his legal team ahead of meetings with the club in late April and early May.The legal action centres on aspects of Gumprecht’s three-year contract with the club.
It’s understood it involves a clause concerning a fourth year of that contract - a year that was said to be dependent on the midfielder playing an agreed number of times for the Gosford-based club.
When contacted by au.fourfourtwo.com, 33-year old veteran Gumprecht was reluctant to reveal too many details. “It’s early days,” he said of his future plans.
“But the PFA have been fantastic in helping me with this situation. At the moment, all I can say is that I won’t be required by the club when they begin pre-season training on Monday.
“I am fit though, I have no injuries and I believe I can play into my mid-30s.”
It’s understood other A-League clubs have shown interest in signing Gumprecht – a former Bayer Leverkusen, Lecce and Perth Glory star – who has been a model professional in his time at the club.
However, that image was tarred by a recent “Mad Monday” episode when Gumprecht was photographed in a German war uniform.
It’s highly unlikely that Gumprecht – a foundation player at the club who’s also appeared in two grand finals - will ever play for the Central Coast again, even if this dispute is resolved.
Gumprecht is currently still living on the Central Coast with his family where he runs a popular junior soccer school.
He played in 17 games last season but started in only eight. The hard-working midfielder has played a total of 51 times for the club in three seasons.
Gumprecht was the Supporters' Player of the Year in season one of the A-League and remains a well-liked figure with their fanbase.
This news comes on the back of yesterday’s resolution of the long-running Danny Vukovic saga – an episode described as a “roller-coaster” by club boss Lyall Gorman.
Gorman was tightlipped on the Gumprecht matter, telling au.fourfourtwo.com that he wasn’t aware of any pending legal action.
“And I don’t want to say too much more about it at this point as I'm not aware of any legal action,” he said.
Gumprecht’s current contract expires on April 30.
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