9:51am Thursday 1st January 2009
By Nick Loughlin
JOEL Porter will see out the season at Hartlepool United, before returning to Australia.
The striker is set to sign a three-year contract with ALeague side Gold Coast United.
It looked like Porter was heading home last summer only for Pools to instigate a 12-month option on his contract.
He’s scored 13 times this season and has 55 goals in 191 appearances since making his debut in November 2003.
Now in the final six months of his contract, he can sign a pre-contract deal with another club. Gold Coast United are owned by the richest man in Queensland, billionaire Clive Palmer, and are new to the ALeague and want Porter to spearhead their title push.
Coach Miron Bleiberg cast an eye over Porter against Yeovil at Victoria Park last month.
Porter said: “Things have really turned around for me but after five years here at Hartlepool, I’m ready for a new challenge.
“I want to come home on a high. If things work out the way Miron wants it and I want it, his attacking style of football would definitely suit me.”
Porter, who will be paired up front with Michael Mackay for Saturday’s FA Cup tie with Stoke at Victoria Park, added: “Coming home will give me a new lease of life because I’ve become a little bit flat and I want to enjoy the game again.
“I’ll bring things home that I’ve learned and hopefully help make the A-League even better.
“It also will be good to get back to eight months of sunshine rather than eight months of winter and it will be great for my wife and two kids.
“I’ve had enough of the lifestyle in the UK. I’m an Aussie born and bred and it’s time to get back.”
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk