Thwaite trains his sights on playing under Popovic

THE quest to avenge past grand final pain starts today for Saints Soccer Club junior Michael Thwaite and he’s convinced Western Sydney Wanderers is the place to do it.

The 34-year-old officially marks his return to the ALeague with the start of preseason training and will front up as one of the fittest players despite eight months off the pitch.

Thwaite played his last game for Chinese Super League club Liaoning Whowin in October last year before a FIT TO GO: Michael Thwaite. difficult split was finalised in February, which was too late for a switch in the A-League transfer window.

He took on the unique situation with aplomb, training with NPL club Gold Coast City before signing with the Wanderers, which issued him with a six-week training program.

Thwaite attracted a number of offers from A-League clubs but felt some familiar faces and the leadership of coach Tony Popovic could be the key to avenging his grand final demons.

“My last grand final ‘appearance’ I didn’t get to play for Melbourne Victory for various reasons, so the goal of getting to a grand final was a big contributor,” he said.

“I’ve worked with a few of the players at previous clubs, but I’m definitely intrigued by working with Tony.

“He’s had regular success reaching grand finals in that time and you want to be in an environment and part of a culture where you can have that instant success.”

Ideally he would have joined a club after ending his CSL contract, but the timing meant he fell into a “grey area” which prevented him signing up to the A-League.

Thwaite said he was well aware he would have to spend time on the sidelines and did not feel the need to push a case to bend the rules in future.

“Really it was my decision and I was protected by the PFA ... but I guess it was a unique situation and it probably takes that type of situation for rules to be changed,” he said.

Thwaite said his chance to be a stay-at-home dad did teach him better time management.

“I’ve been lucky to have a long career and I know other players have not been so fortunate and I think it helped me prepare for life after football,” he said.

Thwaite could be on the field as soon as next month when Wanderers host English giants Arsenal for an exhibition match.

The dream would be for Western Sydney to draw FNQ Heat in the FFA Cup Round of 32, which would give people from across the Far North to see their local hero in action.

YOU WANT TO BE IN AN ENVIRONMENT AND PART OF A CULTURE WHERE YOU CAN HAVE THAT INSTANT SUCCESS