Words: Staff Writer
Image: Getty Images

FNQ FC Heat have announced that Martin Docherty will return as head coach of the Cairns club for next year’s PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland season.

Docherty proved his wares this season as he masterminded a stunning turnaround in Heat’s fortunes following the resignation of former coach Peter Tokesi in late April.

As coach, he guided Heat to an eight game winning streak in the PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland, resulting in a second place finish for the club in only their second season.

He also oversaw Heat's impressive cup campaign that earned the side a place in the Westfield FFA Cup Round of 32 via the Football Queensland Cup qualifying path.

It is understood that Docherty’s returns drew interest from several rival PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland clubs prior to Heat confirming the reappointment.

Heat Chairman Adam Garnett was justifiably enthusiastic in his trumpeting of the announcement.

“Martin has stormed into the top echelon of Queensland coaching and had he accepted the offers from down south he would have gone with our blessings and deep gratitude,” Garnett explained.

“However, we are especially pleased he’s decided ‘home is where the heart is’ and that he wants to stay and build on the team’s achievements this year.”

“He galvanised the team around him this year and although the Heat’s second place finish in the NPL exceeded every pundit’s expectations, Martin is firmly of the view he has unfinished business here,” he added.

The 2014 was Docherty’s first extended period as a head coach in the PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues.

He was appointed as Heat’s inaugural coach in late 2012 before being forced to step aside early last season to support his son’s ultimately successful battle against a serious medical condition.