Words: Michael Flynn
Image: Sam Wood/FNQ FC Heat

FNQ FC Heat have confirmed influential playmaker Alex Smith has re-signed with the club for the 2015 PlayStation® 4 NPL Queensland campaign.

Smith was a stand-out in Heat’s breakthrough 2014 season that saw the Cairns-based club finish second in PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland as well as reach the Westfield FFA Cup Round of 32.

The English-born, American-raised attacking midfielder, who previously played for Wellington Phoenix in the Hyundai A-League, scored 21 goals in 22 league appearances for Heat last season, including a remarkable haul of three hat-tricks.

Heat coach Martin Docherty said securing the 29-year-old's services for 2015 was a key priority for the club in the off-season amidst interest from clubs in the state’s south-east as well as interstate.

“We’re over the moon that he is returning. He was, I suppose, the key to a lot of the good that happened last year and he will be the key to a lot of the good that will hopefully happen this year,” Docherty said.

“It’s really important to have guys like that on board and he’s a good guy to have around the club at the same time.”

Docherty added that Smith will also assist the club with behind-the-scenes operations in 2015.

“He’s got himself a bit of an off-the-field role with the club as well because he’s going to be involved with gathering sponsorship for the club and for the players,” he said.

“It’s something we’re really happy with because it ties him to the club a little bit more as well.”

Docherty said the far north Queensland lifestyle was a contributing factor in helping to retain Smith’s services for the upcoming season ahead of other suitors.

“I do know that there was a number of NPL clubs that were interested in him - as they should be - but Alex moved to Cairns for a lifestyle change with his partner and his baby,” he explained.

“The difference in lifestyle between Cairns and south-east Queensland and the southern states as well is a big plus for them and it’s a real positive thing for the club.”

Docherty said a raft of further signing announcements are imminent as Heat look to step up their pre-season preparations with a series of intra-club games as well as training games with the assistance of the region’s community clubs.