Former Moreton Bay United Jet and current Wellington Phoenix talent Josh Brindell-South is aiming to make his mark in the professional game in 2014 only one year on from his National Premier Leagues debut.

Brindell-South proved one of the break-out performers of NPL Queensland’s first season, with the now 21-year-old right fullback progressing from the Under 20’s to the senior side at Moreton Bay before being snapped up by Phoenix for the current A-League season.

Brindell-South was identified and nurtured by Jets Head Coach Terry Kirkham after turning heads as junior at North Pine and then as a youth player with Peninsula Power.

However, despite a fast-paced 12 months for the prodigious talent, Brindell-South said his journey had only just begun at the top level.

“I definitely want to get a few appearances and I really want to cement a first team spot – that’s really my goal for this year and to extend my contract,” he said.

Brindell-South knows he has to impress with his initial deal only extending to the end of the current campaign, but he believes he is on the right path at Phoenix and remains eager to continue his development with the club.

“If they wanted to re-sign me I would definitely stay because I’ve gotten to know everyone real well and the training is brilliant, it really is unbelievable,” he enthused.

Yet to make his first A-League appearance, Brindell-South was an unused substitute in the Phoenix’s recent home fixture against league-leaders Brisbane Roar - his first selection in the A-League match day squad since joining the club.

“I’ve travelled to Perth and Sydney and all that as the extra man,” Brindell-South explained.

“I thought I was going to get a few minutes against Roar a few weeks ago, that didn’t happen but I just can’t wait to get on to the pitch.

“But I’m really close, I’m training well and as long as I keep that up I think I shouldn’t be too far away,” he added optimistically.

Brindell-South acknowledged the benefits of training with Phoenix’s stable of stars including Costa Rican internationals Carlos Hernandez and Kenny Cunningham, Maltese representative Manny Muscat and All White players Glen Moss, Andrew Durante, Leo Bertos and Jeremy Brockie.

“When I did get back into training, after my injury, I realised how good everyone actually was,” he admitted.

“I was sitting on the sidelines and watching and that but once you get in there then it’s totally different.

“But they’ll always stop you and give you advice here and there when they can. They are all good guys and will help you out as much as possible too,” he added.

Brindell-South enjoyed a rare break due to the A-League summer schedule which allowed him to catch up with family and friends before he returned to Wellington on last Sunday.

“I haven’t seen the family since August, it’s been a while but it’s good to see them again and get home whenever I can.”

Brindell-South said one of his initial challenges was leaving his family support network in Brisbane and getting settled in the New Zealand capital.

“The first three to four weeks was the hardest for me,” Brindell-South explained. “It was my first time being out of home and I didn’t really know anyone over there.”

“I was pretty much by myself for the first couple of weeks, especially because I was injured and I wasn’t training and it made it hard because I wasn’t getting to know the lads any better.”

However, Brindell-South said that he now he felt he was part of “a big family” at Phoenix.

“We’ll all go out to lunch sometimes and everyone gets along really well – I’m enjoying it,” he said.

Brindell-South is set to return to his home town when his Phoenix line up against Brisbane Roar later this month at Suncorp Stadium.

“I can’t wait to be back,” he said enthusiastically about the fixture and even alluded to a possible return against NPL opposition in this year’s inaugural FFA Cup, which FFA previously confirmed will include the New Zealand club.

“I'm not going to lie, I’m dreaming of coming back for that,” he said and even cited some preferences for cup fixtures.

“I would love to draw against Peninsula Power or Moreton Bay Jets, but coming up against one of the best teams in the NPL would have to be up there as well,” he concluded.

 

Words: Michael Flynn (Football Queensland)
Image: Moreton Bay United Jets