Words: Staff Writers
Image: Ian Judd/Football Brisbane

Redlands United have bolstered their midfield ahead of 2016 by signing Paul O’Brien from local community club Capalaba FC.

The signing is a coup for Redlands’ Technical Director Matt Chandler who unsuccessfully tried to lure O’Brien to the club last season.

Looking for his next challenge, this time it was the 26-year-old that sought out Chandler for the opportunity to step up to the national second tier after two years in the Brisbane Premier League.

“I played with Redland’s Greg Warden before he went overseas and he gave me Matt’s number and so I got in touch with him,” said O’Brien.

O'Brien is set to bring reliability and experience to Redlands’ central third after being named Capalaba’s most consistent player for the past two seasons.

“I just wanted to test myself and they have a very technical style of play that I like.”

“NPL was the big attraction really, it just seems to be more professional and I want to test myself against some of the best players in the state.”

Redlands’ style of play was the final deciding factor for O’Brien after seeing last year's Semi Finalists in action.

“I like the attacking style of play that Redlands has and they’ve definitely got plenty of players that are good going forward,” added O’Brien.

“I wanted to play for a team that will be pushing for the league and to have the opportunity to compete in the FFA Cup is massive because to be successful in that is a big thing,” O’Brien concluded.

Chandler had nothing but praise when asked about the new signing and believes O’Brien came to the club at the right time.

“We’ve been tracking Paul for a while now and he’s got that competitive edge that makes him an excellent acquisition for our squad,” said Chandler.

“He’s very smart both on and off the ball and possesses that hunger for learning that will enable him to thrive here,” he concluded.