Mori ends retirement, joins Panthers


09 Mar 10 @ 03:33pm by Jai Bednall


HEADING SOUTH: Damian Mori will line up for the South Adelaide Panthers this season.

ADELAIDE City goal scoring legend Damian Mori’s short-lived retirement is over, with the 39-year-old set for a guest stint at South Adelaide Panthers this season.

Mori, the Socceroos’ all-time leading goalscorer with 29 goals from 45 internationals, has agreed to play six matches with the Panthers, coached by his former City team-mate Steve Maxwell.

``I played with Steve and he asked me if I wanted to play,’’ Mori said.

``One of the reasons I retired at Adelaide City was because I’m committed to coaching my son’s team so I told him I couldn’t commit to training but they were still happy to have me involved.

``I’ll just play the six games and then see what happens.’’

Mori is planning to play as many games as possible at the start of the season while also travelling interstate to complete his `A’ coaching licence.

He retired from his playing-coach role at Adelaide City last season after failing to win the Super League title for the first time since 2004.

Maxwell, who played with Mori at City in the mid-1990s, was rapt with the signing.

``For the State League and the south in particular this is a massive coup,’’ he said.

``I don’t think anyone with Damian’s credentialls would’ve played in the State League before.

``And for our players, just to see the professionalism of the guy and how he prepares will be a huge benefit.’’

Maxwell was reluctant to reveal where he would use Mori on the pitch but said he would spend some time up front.
http://city-north-messenger.whereilive.com.au/sport/story/mori-ends-retirement-joins-panthers/