Words: Garry McKenzie
Image: Western Pride FC

Western Pride have strengthened their midfield stocks with the addition of former Oldham Athletic youngster Sam Fitzgerald of the remainder of the PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues season.

The Englishman joins Pride from third-tier Mitchelton FC having moved to Australia at the start of the year.

Pride coach Graham Harvey snapped up the 22-year old in order to boost competition in central midfield with Nielen Brown away overseas for the next month.

Harvey said signing Fitzgerald was a case of the right player at the right time for his side as they seek to push for a top half finish following a frustrating campaign.

“Sam will add valuable experience and guidance to our young squad which is maybe what we have been lacking a bit,” Harvey said.

“He comes from a professional background in the UK and is still desperate to play as a professional so he fits the bill with what we are trying to do.”

Fitzgerald started his playing career as an apprentice at League One club Oldham Athletic before stints at English semi-professional clubs FC United and Salford City.

He spent the 2014 summer season at American lower-league club Springfield Demize before returning to England with Radcliffe Borough last year.

Harvey said he had done his homework on Fitzgerald before offering a contract.

“I worked at Loughborough University with one of Sam’s ex-team mates so he comes recommended and by all accounts was pretty unlucky not to already be professional,” he explained.

“Obviously he is an overseas player so I have been very careful to only bring in the right characters and not block the pathway for any of our younger players.”

Fitzgerald could make his debut for Pride tonight after being named in the squad which travels to Cairns to take on current league leaders FNQ Heat.

PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues 2016 - Round 14

FNQ FC Heat v Western Pride FC
Saturday, June 18 | 6:30PM
Barlow Park, Cairns