World Cup star bids emotional farewell to club ahead of Newcastle United transfer move

Central Coast Mariners have bid an emotional farewell to Garang Kuol ahead of his January move to Newcastle United.

The Australia World Cup star played his last game for the A-League club just after hours before the Magpies’ goalless draw with Leeds United.

Kuol was substituted in the 78th minute and left the field to a standing ovation as the Mariners beat Melbourne Victory 2-1.

As well as the rapturous reception, Kuol was also thanked via the Mariners’ official Twitter account. A tweet read: “From Shepparton to the Central Coast, now on his way to @NUFC. Thank you, farewell and good luck Garang. Once a Mariner, always a Mariner!”

Kuol agreed to join Newcastle in September having attracted interest from several European clubs. The forward has enjoyed a breakthrough year by scoring six times and providing four assists in 17 appearances for the Mariners, as well as being called up to Australia’s World Cup squad.

Newcastle are likely to send the teenager out on loan for the second half of the campaign, regardless of his work permit situation.

“I’d say at the moment the plan would probably be, and these things can change, to go on a loan spell from January,” Howe told NewcastleWorld in November. “Where that is at the moment, I’ve got no idea.

“We’re working through various options but things can change regarding his involvement in the World Cup if he’s selected.

“There are lots of moving parts to that one as well.”

Howe added: “He’s a young player with huge potential. It’s a show from myself and the club on where we want to go in terms of signing young players and trying to develop them in our system for them to be Premier League players in the future.

“He’s had a dramatic rise and he’s in a position that excites everybody. There needs to be some patience shown. Touch wood we’ll look after him, go out on loan and develop behind the scenes. Hopefully when he comes here, he can play a part in our future.”