UNITED TO SHOW WHAT THEY ARE ALL ABOUT
Improvement’s all over
EMERGING defender Imogen Braithwaite has become the embodiment of Gold Coast United’s commitment to NPL Women’s success in 2019.
Having re-signed with the club this week, the 21-year-old will continue to make the trek from Brisbane’s northside for training and games on the Coast next season.
Braithwaite has already registered 50 NPLW appearances after first joining forces with United coach Michael Cook in Peninsula Power’s run to the 2017 title double.
With the young Coast outfit showing signs of promise this year, she said recommitting to the Surfsiders was a no-brainer.
“I’ve decided to return to United because this club is highly professional and has the means to continue to help me develop as a footballer,” Braithwaite said.
“The squad is looking strong and I can’t wait to play alongside this great bunch of girls. I wouldn’t be the player I am today without Michael’s help and I only want to get better and better.”
Preparing for United’s Round 1 fixture away to Easts on February 15, Cook said he rated Braithwaite highly.
“I’ve been working with her for a few years now, including during Pen Power’s undefeated run in 2017 to the premiership and championship. She’s a great squad member,” Cook said. BRISBANE Roar’s Spanish ace Alex Lopez says there’s no hiding from the fact his side must improve all over the park if they are to mount a challenge for the A-League title.
The Roar are desperate to turn their poor season around when they meet Wellington at Westpac Stadium today.
Only sitting above the ordinary Central Coast Mariners on the ladder, Brisbane have won just once this season and have lost three matches on the trot. Lopez, who has been the Roar’s best performer this season, said the rot had to stop.
“When you’ve played eight games and only won one of them, something is wrong,” the 30-year-old former Sporting Gijon, Celta Vigo and Sheffield Wednesday midfielder said.