Olympic FC Head Coach Jim Bellas has heaped praise on 2013 NPL Queensland Most Valuable Player Tim Smits, saying his Premiership-winning side couldn’t have achieved their success without the striker's contribution.

Smits received the MVP honour from Football Queensland President Greg Redington at reception prior to the club's NPL Finals Series Semi Final against Sydney United 58 FC on Saturday.

THe 27 year old was voted by NPL Queensalnd referees as the league's most oustanding player ahead of Brisbane City’s Antonio Murray and his Olympic skipper Danny Byrne, who finished equal third in the count with Redlands United midfielder Graham Fyfe.

Jim Bellas, head coach of Olympic’s Premiership and Grand Final winning senior side, was eager to laud the former Brisbane Roar attacker’s impact on the club’s double-winning season.

“We wouldn’t have been the same team this year without Tim,” Bellas said.

“Tim Smits is a gentleman, he is a good kid and not only that he is respectful. He doesn’t talk much but we need him on that field,” he explained.

Smits workrate and unselfish nature were evident throughout the season, as he spearheaded the copetition’s most potent front three with 27 goals in 22 league games and three finals appearances.

“He is our outlet,” Bellas said, “If there is no other option we always know we can give it to Tim and he will hold it up. In the air he is lethal – he wins a lot of headers and he is not that tall.

Bellas explained that Smits had been truly embraced by the Olympic community after joining the club from Rochedale Rovers for the inaugural NPL Queensland season.

“All the supporters love him, he is a good kid, I am glad he came to play for Olympic FC this year and I am glad he is staying next year as well.”

Smits’ award adds to an already silverware-laden season for Olympic, yet Bellas remained disappointed to miss out on a third trophy after last weekend’s 4-3 loss to Sydney United 58 FC in the NPL Finals Series.

“I am disappointed for the players because they really wanted to win against Sydney United and become the club champions of Australia,” he said.

“We wanted one more trophy but unfortunately for us we lost a bit of the momentum we had in the month’s layoff which you need, especially against the teams from down south.”

However, the Olympic club stalwart nonetheless explained his delight with the season overall.

“It has been fantastic, everyone has worked together really well. We won the Premiership, won the Grand Final and it is very hard to do both.”

While hinting at acquisitions, Bellas wants to maintain the buoyant dressing room atmosphere as the club seeks to defend their titles next season.

“We will try our best, we will probably strengthen up again and go from there,” he said.

“Hopefully the same team spirit and morale is around the team. I am pretty sure if we keep the same players we can be in the same position next year.”

 

Words: Matt Dorman (Olympic FC)
Image: Ian Judd