New Brisbane City recruit Jarrod Kyle is hoping his move to last season’s NPL Queensland runners up will provide the catalyst for a return to the A-League next year.

The imposing centre forward will lead City's front line in the new campaign and is expected to form a formidable partnership with last year's Golden Boot Antonio Murray, who is expected to return to the club midway through next season.

Kyle was a late addition to Frank Farina’s Sydney FC squad last season, joining the Sky Blues from English Championship club Sheffield Wednesday, where he was recognised as the Owls’ Academy Player of the Year.

However, Kyle was released from Sydney in April without making a senior appearance and returned to his home town where he joined Palm Beach Sharks for the inaugural NPL Queensland season at the urging of Farina.

“It was Frank Farina, the gaffer, it was his choice for me to play in the state league just to get match fitness and match time.”

“He recommended the Brisbane teams, but they were already full because Sydney left it so late to release me, and Palm Beach were the ones offering (a spot) so I went there straight away.”

Unfortunately, despite an impressive return of four goals in his first four appearances for Sharks, injury halted the striker’s progress and left Kyle without an A-League contract for the current season.

“I’ve seen a year of knocks and rejection and when I was at Palm Beach it was a real struggle to get my head around it,” Kyle explained.

“But I’ve had a good off-season to think about what I want to do for the future and I’m going into this season with a clear head.

"There's a good incentive to do well and get back up to the A-League and prove I am good enough.”

Despite the set-backs, the determined 19 year old said linking up with City’s talented squad for the 2014 NPL season would put him in squarely back in the A-League shop window.

“Basically, it’s just a move that will benefit my career at this moment in time,” Kyle said about his switch from the coast to the capital.

“Palm Beach last year were good to me but they weren’t competing for the top spots and I need to be at a club competing for the top spots to get seen and hopefully get back into the A-League.”

Kyle also said the allure of silverware had also played a part in the move, “I think I need to be competing at the highest level but also, personally, I want to be winning championships.”

“City have a long term goal for this season, they want to win the league and play against Sydney and Melbourne teams,” he added.

Further to the club’s goals, Kyle outlined his personal aims for the next NPL season.

“I want to be scoring every week. My main goal is to score every single week and get twenty plus goals this season.”

Kyle said he was settling in well at his new club despite admitting to not yet tasting City’s famous range of wood-fired pizzas.

“After training and going for a pizza? I don’t think the coach would be the happiest,” he joked.

 

Words: Michael Flynn (Football Queensland)
Image: Nick Milton