Words: Staff Writers

Sunshine Coast FC have confirmed the re-appointment of Paul Arnison as Sunshine Coast FC’s Senior Men’s Coach for the PlayStation® 4 NPL Queensland 2016 season.

The announcement was made today by Sunshine Coast FC Managing Director Noel Woodall.

The confirmation follows a general review of the team’s performance this season and consultation with club Technical Director Melvyn Wilkes.

Arnison made the transition from a player to Senior Men’s Coach this season after previously coaching the club’s Under 18 Boys and serving as Assistant Coach to the Senior Men's side.

Under Arnison’s stewardship this season Fire have won seven of their 21 matches and can finish no higher than ninth after their final PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland match this Sunday against Brisbane Strikers.

Fire were considered post-season contenders at the end of April when they surged to fourth in the standings, however a ten match winless streak put paid to hopes of a second PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland Finals Series appearance for the club.

Woodall said despite the up-and-down campaign, Arnison had laid the groundwork for greater success in 2016.

“Clearly the Senior Men’s result for the 2015 season has been a disappointment for the club but we are still of the view that Paul has made good progress as a Senior Coach and has potential to be an outstanding coach given the opportunity,” Woodall said.

“We have every confidence that considering the hard work put in by everyone in 2015 we will see a marked improvement in the Senior Men’s performance in 2016.”

Arnison said he was delighted to be given the opportunity to continue coaching the Senior Men’s team and is confident that he will make his mark in 2016.

“I’m really excited for next year, we’ve seen some of the younger boys make the jump into the Senior Team and they’ve definitely shown that they can perform at a higher level,” Arnison said.

“It’s great to be given that responsibility again and I’m confident for the 2016 season,” he concluded.

Arnison will also continue to work with the club’s junior programmes as well as the senior team.

Prior to joining Fire Arnison had a distinguished playing career in the United Kingdom, including stints with Newcastle United, Hartlepool United, Carlisle United and Bradford City.