Heat Open Pre-Season Against Fury
Words: Michael Flynn
FNQ Heat coach Tim Campbell says he can think of no better way to kick off pre-season than against PlayStation®4 National Premier Leagues rivals Northern Fury.
The Cairns-based Heat travel to Townsville this Saturday in the first pre-season match for both clubs ahead of the home-and-away season.
For Campbell it will be his first experience in a senior Heat-Fury derby, and while conceding his players will look to get one over their derby rivals, he won’t let that affect his planning – nor does he expect it to unduly influence Northern Fury coach Ian Ferguson.
“I think Fergie and I have been around the traps long enough to not get into that but I think the players will get into it regardless,” Campbell explained.
He added, “We’re playing two games against the Fury – we’ve got them this week and in a fortnight’s time – and the reason we’ve done that is because we don’t play them first up in the league this year.”
“Both Fergie and I thought it would be a really good idea to play some competitive games in the pre-seaso and the players are looking forward to that as well.”
Campbell said several triallists will be part of his line-up for the match but in his first season in charge of the side won't look to change Heat’s penchant for attacking football.
“We want to try and get an exciting game going and play an attacking style.”
“We’ve been working hard on getting the ball forward, and making sure that we move it quickly and keep possession.”
“We hope that it will be exciting to watch and we can build on what has already been established.”
Campbell said he is yet to set a target for the season ahead – opting to wait for the input of Technical Director Craig Midgley, who starts with the club on Monday.
“One of the things that Craig and I will be doing in the first fortnight before the season is getting a realistic impression of where we want to be after six game and twelve games.”
“But I wanted to wait for Craig due to his vast experience and knowledge of the NPL. I want him involved,” Campbell concluded.
Pre-Season Friendly
Saturday, January 30
Northern Fury FC v FNQ FC Heat
Brolga Park, Townsville
Kick-off at 4:00PM
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