Roar rolls dice with Holman
Former Socceroo re-signs for 2019
FOOTBALL: Former Socceroo Brett Holman has re-signed with the Brisbane Roar and says the club will challenge for honours next year.
The 34-year-old played only 13 times last season in an injury-hit campaign, but the attacking midfielder said yesterday that he was fit and excited at the prospects of a good season in 2019.
“I have been speaking to Brisbane for a little while and have spoken to John (coach John Aloisi) and I am really happy to have signed again,” Holman said.
“The club was happy to retain me as well. The excitement was mutual, so just ready to crack on and have a good year.
“At this stage I didn’t really want to go anywhere else because I am happy in Brisbane.”
Holman could have joined the exodus of players from the Roar, with veterans Massimo Maccarone, Jade North and Fahid Ben Khalfallah all moving on at the end of last season.
But Holman said the prospect of some younger players – 20-year-old Nick D’Agostino also signed a new deal yesterday – had him excited and he was looking forward to the future.
“There are a few of the old players who have gone now – everybody has seen that – so I think they are exciting times ahead,” Holman said.
“There are some talented players coming through.
“Those guys have been signed now and it’s up to them to take it with both hands and say I have got my foot in the door but I am going to stay and make the most of this opportunity as well.”
Holman’s struggles with a knee injury, which stopped him from playing in Roar’s semi-final with Melbourne City, meant he was more of an impact player last season.
He is hoping to stay fit and prove he is worthy of a place in what he expects to be a topclass Brisbane outfit.
“It gets down to who’s performing. That’s the bottom line,” Homan said.
“If players aren’t performing and others are, then their positions will be in doubt.
“From my point of view, if I am fit then I will want to play as much as possible and the same goes for any player at the club.
“Otherwise I don’t think I should be there.
“I think the depth is going to be better this year. There’s going to be a lot more fighting for positions, which is always a good thing.”
Holman said his absence in the finals last season was disappointing, but he believed next season would be a lot better. He is also hoping it is not his last hurrah.
“For me it’s going to be a case of let’s see how we go and see how my body’s feeling and see how I get through games and how many games I play,” he said.
“At the moment it’s way too early to even think about that sort of stuff (finishing up).
“When you are getting on and you moving towards the back end of your career, if every player is honest it’s always going to be in the back of your mind because it’s obviously getting closer.
“I have to be thinking about can I add something to the team and that’s my motivation, and I thought I did that when I did play last season, scoring winning goals and contributing to the team.
“If I can do that, then I will always try to put my hand up.”