Words: Steve Pitman
Image: Steve Pitman/Brisbane Strikers FC

The signings keep coming for Brisbane Strikers, with former Peninsula Power midfielder Josh Ahern confirmed for the 2015 PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland season.

Ahern is a previous Brisbane Premier League and Canale Travel Cup winner with Power and a two-time member of Football Brisbane’s Select team.

Strikers coach Kevin A’herne-Evans said he was pleased to have secured the 21-year-old’s services for the upcoming season ahead of a raft of other suitors.

"The signature of Josh Ahern is another indication of our intent for the 2015 year,” A’herne-Evans said. 

“Josh is an energetic midfielder ready to take his game to the next level, having been a key player in Peninsula Power’s recent successes in the BPL. He possesses a terrific attitude and work ethic.”

He added, "Josh's desire to come and continue to learn at our club was extremely pleasing, as there were clubs queuing up all over Brisbane for his signature. It is gratifying for us he decided that Perry Park is where he will call home from now on.”

Ahern said that he saw the PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland as the next step in his career and hopes it will take him to the professional level.

“I’ve been playing in the BPL since I was sixteen and I guess I’ve won two Grand Finals and the Canale Cup and I’ve made the finals series once with North Pine, three times with Power and then made the select team this year for the BPL - so to go to the NPL was definitely a new challenge”, Ahern said.

He also said that signing for Strikers is the culmination of a long-standing ambition.

“I’ve always loved the Strikers. I’m a Bundaberg boy originally and I remember the Strikers coming to play Across The Waves (in Bundaberg).”

“I guess it’s just that reputation they have. It’s just uncanny compared to any other club in Brisbane or Queensland, or nationally as well.”

Ahern said helping to deliver Strikers their first PlayStation 4 NPL silverware was high on his agenda.

“I’d like to win the NPL – that’s the ultimate goal. Whether that will happen next year or the year after, my goal is to win the NPL,” he said.

Although, the young midfielder was quick to qualify that any accolades will be a result of hard graft on the training field.

“Like everyone, I’m not going to rock up thinking that I am starting every week,” Ahern said. 

“I’m an extremely hard worker, and I’m going to work hard, doing the extras. I’ve got to earn my place and I’m really willing to do that,” Ahern concluded.