Words: Michael Flynn
Image: Getty Images

Olympic FC captain Danny Byrne praised the contribution of departing Assistant Coach Tim Brown following Friday night’s NPL Queensland Grand Final.

Media outlets reported last week that Brown will be head coach at Western Pride next season, however the Ipswich-based club are yet to release an official statement on the appointment.

Byrne said Brown was a key element of the Olympic's success in the first two seasons of NPL Queensland and his absence will be keenly felt by all at the club.

“He’s been instrumental in what we have done at the club, so it’s sad to see Tim move on,” said Byrne.

“He has been a major part of the signings we have made in terms of personnel coming to the club and what he gives the club as a whole.”

“That’s taking nothing away from anybody else, but Tim’s definitely helped us out last year and been instrumental in us making the finals this year,” he added.

Despite being visibly disappointed by the result, Byrne acknowledged Palm Beach’s achievement in winning the Premiership and Grand Final double.

“First and foremost, congratulations to Palm Beach. They’ve worked hard all year and you can’t take that away from them.”

“I would’ve liked to have been on the winning side, but we showed grit and determination but on the night just not enough to get the win.”

He further added that the patchy Mallawa Complex surface wasn’t complementary his side’s technical style of play in the decider.

“It was pretty tough. The pitch isn’t exactly ideal,” Byrne explained.

“There are two sides out there but I think it suited their direct game a lot more than the passing game that we wanted to play.”

The 31-year-old attacking midfielder was a standout performer for Olympic this year, scoring 11 goals in 24 appearances despite battling injury.

However, he acknowledged he wasn’t getting any younger and that he will take time over the off-season to consider his playing future.

“Whether I’m still here or not I will still be part of the club,” Byrne said.

“I’ve struggled with a couple of injuries but hopefully I will be here in some capacity next year - whether it’s playing or coaching, we will wait and see.”

“I’d like to go round again, but we’ll have to see how my legs go in the off-season,” he concluded.

In addition to captaining the senior side for the past two campaigns, Byrne also coaches Olympic’s Under 13’s NPL side.