Words: Staff Writers

SWQ Thunder have announced Chris McLeod will be the club’s senior men’s coach for the PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland 2016 season.

McLeod will be Thunder’s third coach in as many seasons and replaces Chris Wilkes, who has departed the club in favour of spending more time with his family.

McLeod previously coached Toowoomba SWQ Raiders in Football Brisbane’s third tier Trophy Superstore Premier League competition and most recently served as Director of Football at Toowoomba Grammar School.

Club Chairman Jon Haynes explained McLeod’s appointment is part of the club’s continuing push to increase their competitiveness in Queensland’s elite club competition.

“I’m delighted to welcome Chris to the role. It is our vision that Chris will be the long-term coach of our football club as we build toward sustained success,” Haynes said.

“What sets Chris apart is far more than just his resume and experience, which is impressive in itself. It is his proven ability to develop and educate that convinced our Board that he is the right person to lead the Senior Men’s Program.”

Thunder are yet to record a senior win in two seasons of PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland and Haynes said it is the club’s intention of seeing that change.

“He will be afforded the resources to make the Thunder a competitive force in the Queensland NPL and we will support him every step of the way.”

Haynes also thanked previous coach Wilkes for his service to the club which resulted in Thunder’s best return yet of two competition points in 2015 - including an impressive draw against Brisbane Roar Youth early in the season.

“I would like to extend our deepest gratitude for what (Chris) has achieved since taking on the role. He drove a competitive spirit within our team and always put the club first in everything he did.”

“Chris has earned the highest level of respect from everyone at the club and the wider football community,” Haynes concluded.