Strikers Sign 'Gem' McLean
Words: Steve Pitman
Image: Brisbane Strikers FC
Brisbane Strikers coach Kevin A’herne-Evans says he has landed a “gem” with the signing of Jake McLean for the PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland 2016 season.
The 22-year-old midfielder joins Strikers after spending the 2015 season with PlayStation 4 NPL Victoria outfit Oakleigh Cannons.
McLean previously played two seasons with Olympic FC – making 45 league appearances and delivering 14 goals for the PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland 2013 Champions.
He also turned heads with his performances in the Westfield FFA Cup for both Olympic and Cannons - and was part of the Cannons side that eliminated FNQ Heat on their march to this year's Quarter Final.
A’herne-Evans said he was excited by the addition of one of Queensland’s brightest attacking talents to his squad.
“It gives me immense joy to be able to bring Jake McLean to the club because of the qualities that he brings as an attacking midfielder,” A’herne-Evans explained.
“It’s what he can produce in that final third, how quickly he supplies the wingers and front man and also the goal ratio that he gets - we’ve picked up a real gem.”
McLean said the set-up at Strikers was a primary motivating factor in his return from Melbourne and he is looking forward to challening for silverware in 2016.
“I like their style of play and the professionalism that the Strikers have, and the club’s got a good history,” McLean explained.
“I was looking for something that’s very professional with a good coach and a good set of boys who are all looking to win the league, so it’s a good place to be.”
McLean added that a return to a more attacking role was also a drawcard after playing a less familiar defensive role with Cannons.
“My best position, and my favourite position is attacking-mid but at Oakleigh, because of the types of players that we had, we didn’t really have anyone to play defensively in midfield so I got pushed a bit deeper,” he explained.
“I learned a lot down there and got some good experience in different positions, so if I am needed in that (defensive) position in the future I can definitely play it.
“But as an attacking midfielder hopefully I can put in a few assists and a few goals and get the team attacking well,” McLean concluded.
In other squad news, Strikers have confirmed attacker and South Sudanese international Apai Ukuno will not be returning for the club in 2016.
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