Words: Sam Attwood
Image: Sunshine Coast FC

Sunshine Coast FC has confirmed the return of foundation player Ryan Smith for their PlayStation® 4 NPL Queensland 2016 season.

Smith’s return to Fire also marks a return to the PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland following a two-year stint in the Sunshine Coast Premier League with Kawana SC.

The 34-year-old joined Fire in 2008 in the Queensland State League and was a vital cog in Fire's three Premierships and four Grand Final wins in that competition.

He made 22 apearances for Fire in the inaugural PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland campaign in 2013 - the last time Fire qualified for finals football.

Smith said returning to Fire is an opportunity to pass on his knowledge and experience to the younger players in the squad.

“I feel that I’m able to offer some experience to the squad and help get Fire back on top where they belong,” Smith explained.

He added he is looking forward to playing against some strong opposition in the national second tier.

“NPL is the pinnacle of football in Queensland and it’s something for serious footballers to strive for. I want to play at the highest level I can for as long as I can because I’m not getting any younger,” Smith said.

Smith becomes the sixth player confirmed for Fire Coach Paul Arnison who said that the Fire veteran’s inclusion in the squad is big news.

“To get someone of Ryan’s calibre back to Fire is great, he’s an excellent organiser and a leader,” Arnison said.

“The team is always getting stronger and it’s looking to be a good mix of younger players with experienced players,” he concluded.

Smith is the third former Fire player to rejoin the club for next year's campaign alongside goalkeeper Sam Nickolls and former youth player Chris Jancevski.