Words: Michael Flynn
Image: Sunshine Coast FC

Sunshine Coast FC have confirmed right fullback Tim Hollingworth will return for the club in PlayStation® 4 NPL Queensland 2016.

The 23-year-old is Fire’s fifth announced signing for next season and the first member of the 2015 confirmed to return.

Hollingworth made 15 appearances for Fire last season, scoring once, before injury curtailed his season in July.

However, he said he was now fit and eager to get stuck into pre-season training and looking to help his club improve on last year’s disappointing tenth place finish.

“I suffered a hamstring injury half-way through the season and couldn’t get back, but I’ve learned from that and how to look after my body better,” Hollingworth said.

“I’m looking forward to the season because I haven’t played a game in a while and I really just want to get into it.”

“It was so frustrating (being injured) and I came back a bit too early because of that and that’s why I was out so long.”

“But I’ve been training for weeks now and it’s all going fine. I’ve been keeping fit and I’m looking forward to a good year.”

He said the signs were good for Fire to reclaim their mantle as one of the most feared clubs in Queensland football following leaner returns in recent seasons.

“There’s a lot of new players coming in and we are still getting together, but we are hoping for a top four finish.”

“We’ve got a few local players in now and hopefully more get involved,” he concluded.

Fire coach Paul Arnison said he was delighted to have retained Hollingworth’s services for the upcoming season.

“It’s great to have Timmy back for next year. He was out for the end of last season because of an injury, but he’ll be healthy and ready for 2016,” Arnison said.