Long Thwaite for fairytale return
PROVIDING Michael Thwaite with the chance to build his off-field portfolio has helped Gold Coast United seal a fairytale reunion with the former Socceroos defender.
The 35-year-old, who has lived at Burleigh since joining the failed Gold Coast United A-League venture in 2009, was yesterday unveiled as the club’s first player signing under new NPL coach Kristian Rees.
Thwaite, who has been without a club since leaving the A-League’s Western Sydney Wanderers in May, will also serve as an assistant to Rees, a teammate at United from 2009-12.
Capped 13 times by the Socceroos, Thwaite received multiple offers to continue his ALeague career but said his Wanderers experience had taught him “living away doesn’t work for us”.
Instead, he will put his B licence in coaching and degree in human movement science to use at United, a perfect partner for his new mentoring company That’s Football.
“That’s Football aims to help athletes transition into and out of professional sport,” Thwaite said.
“There’s always been huge potential here on the Coast, across all sports. I think if young people are guided in the right way, there’s no doubt we can help create more balanced athletes and individuals.
“It’s about offering them the opportunity to become professional and that’s where Kristian and I can play a role with young footballers. We’ve been at that professional level and understand what’s required to get there and the challenges along the way.
“Kristian ... was a leader on the pitch and I’m sure his attributes will see him successful as a coach. It’s time to give back for both of us. We’ve both got so much excitement for the future of Gold Coast United.
“My focus now is with Gold Coast United in the NPL starting in February and I’m looking forward to working hard and giving something back to Queensland.”
Rees said Thwaite was “a massive signing”.
“It’s a huge acknowledgment that the club is heading in the right direction. He’ll be an inspirational leader on and off the park,” Rees said.