Close Signing Bolsters Olympic Attack
Words: Michael Flynn
Additional Reporting: Sam Flanagan
Image: Patrick Kearney
Olympic FC have confirmed the return of Ramone Close to the PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues after luring the experienced striker from Eastern Suburbs FC.
The capture of Close only seven rounds into the season is the first indication that Olympic are starting the feel the pressure of their worst ever start to a PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues campaign – with one win in their opening seven matches.
Close, 27, made his debut for the 2013 Champions on Sunday in a club record 6-1 defeat at the hands of Moreton Bay United.
He previously played for Redlands United in the inaugural season of PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues before plying his trade in years in the third-tier Flight Centre Premier League for Lions FC and Eastern Suburbs – amassing a total of 32 goals in 60 appearances across all competitions.
Close said he was looking forward to the challenge of helping Olympic turn around their season and nurture the his younger teammates through what the club has previously described as a transitional year.
“It’s different. It’s more fulfilling I would say leading by example and trying to be a better player in the team to show the young lads how to do it,” Close said.
“I find it exciting that we get to lead the way; and if you do it right you can set the standard for the rest of the young lads and for the future years.”
“(My role is) to try and bring them through the ranks and guide them.”
While Close will be a boon for Olympic in the league, he will be cup-tied for Olympic’s quest to return to the Westfield FFA Cup Round of 32 after previously playing in the Preliminary Rounds earlier this year at Easts.
Close added that it will take a few weeks until the Goodwin Park faithful see the best of him as he settles into the squad.
“It takes 2 or 3 weeks normally just for most players to get to know everyone and get a feel for how everyone plays and to know how I play,” he concluded.
Olympic currently sit eleventh in the competition standings and continue their season on Sunday at home to SWQ Thunder.
PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues 2016 – Round 8
Olympic FC v SWQ Thunder FC
Sunday, April 24
Goodwin Park, Brisbane
Kick-off at 6:00PM
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