American goalkeeper Steve Purdy has received just reward for an outstanding NPL Queensland season by taking out the Western Pride Player of the Year Award at the club’s presentation night.

Purdy, who hails from the major Midwest  metropolis of Chicago, was one of the league’s most dynamic goalkeepers in the inaugural NPL Queensland season – highlighted by the revelation the 24 year old initially trialled with the club as an outfielder, before revealing his true calling as a shot stopper.

His reliability between the sticks saw him earn the nickname “Sturdy Purdy” from Pride Head Coach and Technical Director Kasey Wehrman.

The former Socceroo was full of praise for Purdy’s contributions this season, saying he was a worthy winner of the club’s highest individual honour, which was presented by Western Pride Club Patron Gary Wilkins.

“Purdy was pivotal in the success of Western Prides foundation year not only on the field in goals but also his attitude, fighting determination and commitment this season,” Wehrman said.

“He is just another one of the lads that form this magical friendship and team spirit that has created a force at the Pride this year and his performance in goals was outstanding.”

With the American revelling in the Sunshine State, Wehrman indicated he expected Purdy to remain a fixture at the club next season and beyond as he seeks an opportunity in the A-League.

“Steve also has an interest in the junior side and is looking forward to mentoring our younger footballers to chase their goals and dreams,” Wehrman added.

Also rewarded for an outstanding season for Pride was club leading goal scorer and Ipswich local Peter Drager, who received the Player’s Player Award on the night.

24 year old Drager scored 17 NPL Queensland goals this season, forming a lethal tandem act with Russell Woodruffe, the pair combining twice to score against A-League club Brisbane Roar in a recent exhibition match in Toowoomba.

“Drager is exciting to watch and obviously gelled really well with the young and upcoming side,” Wehrman explained.

An vocal advocate of promoting and developing local talent, Wehrman praised the entire Western Pride squad for a hard-fought but rewarding year in the National Premier Leagues.

“I know we can only give out so many awards this year but all of these lads were always willing to listen and learn from previous matches and gave it their all.”

“Some matches were hit and miss but winning those games against the grand final sides at the end of the season was a massive confidence boost and a testament to their ‘never give up’ attitude.”

Western Pride senior captain Niall McCarthy received the Wehrman seal of approval for his efforts leading the team this year, receiving the Coaches Player of the Year Award.

Wehrman described McCarthy, who at 26 years of age is the oldest player in the Pride’s young squad, as “the glue that keeps this team together.”

The Pride Presentation night celebrated the club’s successful foundation year as well as honoured the junior Best and Fairest and Players’ Players.

General Manager Pat Boyle said the club’s future rests with the raft of talented juniors playing across the NPL age divisions.

“Without our juniors sides and the up-and-coming talent in this region we won’t go anywhere,” Boyle admitted.

He pointed to next season as a chance to build upon the solid foundations of the club’s inaugural campaign.

“(The juniors) are our future, so 2014 is the year for this region to really show what we have to offer. It is exciting for football all round,” Boyle gushed.

 

Words: Western Pride FC and Michael Flynn (Football Queensland)
Images: Matthew Murray (Amuzzapic Photo Lab Qld)