White Eager To Build On Stellar Season
Words: Michael Flynn
Image: Ray Gardner/Redlands United FC
PlayStation® 4 NPL Queensland 2015 Safe Hands Award winner Brendan White is looking to take care of “unfinished business” with Redlands United next season.
White, who joined Redlands from community club Logan Lightning, proved the stand-out goalkeeper of 2015 - recording a league-best six clean sheets in his debut PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland season to seal the individual honour.
The 23-year-old’s reliability proved crucial in the Red Devils recording their highest ever finish in the national second tier competition - finishing third to reach their first PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland Finals Series.
However, White said he has every intention of returning for the club in 2016 and building on his award winning season.
“It is certainly an honour to receive this award, especially with the high standard of goalkeepers in the competition who I mostly know personally,” White said.
“I really enjoyed the competition this season - it was quite competitive and I found myself busy every game.”
“(But) I have some unfinished business there I feel - for example, just missing out of the final 32 of the FFA Cup and losing to Strikers in the Semi Final.”
He said there was no great secret to his performances - citing hard work on the training pitch including additional skills sessions in addition to training with his outfield teammates.
“Well personally I just trained hard during the week and prepared well for the game on the weekend,” he explained.
“Five sessions a week can be quite tolling on the body as I soon found out, so I monitor my training depending when we play on the weekend.”
“(But) being focused and relaxed helps. Football is obviously a team sport and my teammates and I worked ever so hard for each other and we never gave up until the final whistle.”
Previously a member of Gold Coast United’s Foxtel National Youth League squad, White said he sees PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland as a proven pathway to break into the Hyundai A-League.
“I will always continue to push for a pro contract and it has shown that you can be picked up by playing in the NPL leagues,” he concluded.
Comments
Comment Guidelines: The SportsTG Network is made up of players, families and passionate sports followers like you who have a strong opinion about sport. That's great - we want you to have your say and share your thoughts with the world. However, we have a few rules that you must follow to keep it fun for all. Please don't be rude, abusive, swear or vilify others. Apart from some pretty serious sport sanctions, we also can ban you and report you if things get out of hand. So play fair and have fun, and thanks for your contribution.