Central Coast Mariners head coach Nick Montgomery has been discussing Garang Kuol’s big move to Newcastle United, sending some friendly advice to the 18-year-old talent ahead of his January switch.
He believes it’s a “great move” for the forward, revealing that he turned down offers from “some of the biggest clubs in the world” to sign at St James’ Park, with Barcelona believed to be one of those.
The A-League boss feels he’s joined a “family club” who are looking to develop “some of the best young talent” in the world, offering a clear pathway to first-team football in the “next couple of years.”
Montgomery does, however, warn Kuol to “stay away from partying”, backing him to thrive in English football if he can stay away from the distractions young players face when money and fame arrive as a teenager.
That said, he describes the Aussie international is a “sensible lad” with a “good family” behind him, believing he has every chance of becoming the “best player he can be” under Eddie Howe.
Here’s what the Central Coast Mariners boss told FTBL when asked for his thoughts on the move:
“Newcastle is a great move for him. He had offers from some of the biggest clubs in the world – but he’s joining a club that’s looking to get some of the best young talent out there and develop it.
“It’s a family club, a club whose fans love to see young talent and embraces players from around the world.
“I remember when (Colombian) Faustino Asprilla went there (in the mid-90s) and I and thinking ‘what an unbelievable talent’. It’s quite clear they have a pathway to get Garang in the first team in the next couple of years.
“As long as Garang stays away from the partying and the things that can distract young players he’ll thrive. He’s a sensible lad, has a good family behind him and his focus has to stay on becoming the best player he can be.”
