Cairns FC stocks rise as Graystone fixes ‘guest’ issue

FOOTBALL ALARMINGLY low Cairns FC player numbers should no longer be a concern as coach Danny Graystone embarks on including top FNQ Football players in the NPL set up.

It has been revealed the club is now on a level playing field with neighbours NQ United following a “miscommunication” at the start of the season which had some members of the club told a “guest player rule” didn’t apply to them.

The rule allows up to six players registered to other clubs to be included on Cairns FC’s 20-man roster.

“All I’m going to say is that’s something we’re permitted to do now and it’s something Townsville have been permitted to do for this season and it’s a way of the state showing support and trying to support the regional club and help us with the understanding of the situation we’re in,” Graystone said.

“There was a bit of a miscommunication at the start of the season but everything’s changed at Football Queensland since then.

“Obviously, the general manager has changed and the state technical director has changed and it was just more reaffirming we were able to do that.”

The NPL coach will consult FNQ clubs before moving on players to join the bench for Saturday’s game against South West Queensland Thunder.

The club needs to lean on the rule after Bronson Koppen and Josh De Nittis were sent off in the FFA Cup match against Southside last week.

“I’m in discussions with local clubs to perhaps bring a couple of local players in to sit on the bench for us for the game, give them a bit of experience about being involved in an NPL fixture and obviously we’ve got to see how we come through training this week,” Graystone said.

“I’ve got a few players in mind but I won’t discuss them until I speak to their clubs.”

He was reticent to comment about the relationship between the former FNQ heat and local clubs prior to his involvement at the clubs and insisted members of those clubs were happy to help.

Graystone sees the miscellaneous player rule as a short term solution to low numbers, indicating there would be up to three new players signing for Cairns FC in the next month.

ALL I’M GOING TO SAY IS THAT’S SOMETHING WE’RE PERMITTED TO DO NOW AND IT’S SOMETHING TOWNSVILLE HAVE BEEN PERMITTED TO DO FOR THIS SEASON