Thunder focuses on long-term NPL plan
SOCCER: The South West Queensland Thunder know they have to be successful right now.
With Football Queensland introducing a new promotion-relegation system for the 2018 NPL season the Thunder are hard at work building a competitive men’s squad.
However Thunder chairman Wade Eiser said the club was also focused on its long-term future.
“The promotion-relegation system adds a new level of pressure this season,” Eiser said.
“We have to make sure we get our men’s side right because relegation is determined by their performances.
“But we won’t be sacrificing our long-term vision for the sake of immediate success though.”
Eiser said the Thunder were focused on developing the game from top to toe across the region
“Our heart is our juniors,” Eiser said.
“That is why we have to make sure we are getting the fundamentals right part of that is done by bringing in the right technical staff.
“Our focus is on preparing and developing our juniors so they can transition easily
Our focus is on preparing and developing our juniors.
— Wade Eiser
into the senior squad.
“We want to create a pathway for every junior in the region.”
Despite having one eye on the future, and a development plan that extends beyond five years, Eiser expects the Thunder to be a surprise packet in 2018.
“This is the strongest squad we’ve had,” he said.
“We’ve worked hard to retain some of our talented younger players from last season and we’re looking to promote a few more.
“The additions of Travis (Cooper), Chris (Hatfield) and Federico (Brusaca) only enhance the team.
“I think we will be very competitive this season.”
Based on last season’s results the Thunder would have avoided relegation by two points.
In the 12-team competition the Thunder finished 10th on 20 points.
Brisbane Roar Youth (18) and Sunshine Coast FC (2) occupied the bottom two relegation positions.