Rule Returns For Pride In 2016
Words: Michael Flynn
Image: Sunshine Coast FC
Western Pride have confirmed foundation player Lincoln Rule has re-signed for the PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland 2016 season.
The 24-year-old midfielder has committed to the club for a fourth straight season and is set to add to his current club record of 61 PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland appearances.
Rule’s signing returns Pride’s 2016 squad to five confirmed players after the recent departure of Harrison Sawyer to the Brisbane Roar’s Foxtel National Youth League team.
Rule, who has previously trialled with Hyundai A-League clubs, said he continues to harbour ambitions of playing professional football and sees Pride and PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland as a platform to achieve his goal.
“The NPL is the pinnacle of football in Queensland outside of the A-League and I wanted to play at the highest level I can while I still can,” Rule explained.
He added, “Pride’s record speaks for itself. We had three players (from last year) push on further to professional contracts, so definitely NPL is the greater stepping stone and where I want to play.”
Rule said while pre-season has only just commenced, he is hoping the team will build upon last year’s results.
“Next year we are hoping to push on in the league and progress. I can’t say where we are aiming to finish because it is early days, but definitely we are looking to progress in the FFA Cup,” he said.
“We have never won an FFA Cup game, so it is definitely something we are aiming for this year,” he concluded.
Pride coach Graham Harvey said he was pleased to secure Rule for next season and added he will be a crucial part of the team’s leadership group.
“Jesse Rigby will still keep the captain’s armband but Lincoln is a leader on and off the field and with his experience it’s valuable we keep players like that at the club,” Harvey explained.
“When new players come into the club they need to understand the culture behind Western Pride and the greater Western corridor.”
“Lincoln’s very loyal and very proud of his roots. Having those home grown players in your squad is what the NPL is all about,” he concluded.
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