Sunshine Coast FC has bolstered their defensive ranks with a returning Kevin Downes signing on as goalkeeper for the PlayStation® 4 NPL Queensland 2017 season.
Downes previously served as goalkeeper and contributed to Fire’s late-season turn around in 2015.
The 26-year-old defender spent 2016 at third tier Mitchelton FC in the Brisbane Premier League and returns to Fire in 2017 with more confidence and maturity in his game.
“I think as a goalkeeper you mature a lot later, I’m a bit more of a leader now and I don’t really get nervous anymore before a game,” he said.
Downes is excited to work with Head Coach Roger Hardwicke again.
“I played under Roger in 2011/12 at Kawana FC and I like his coaching style, he leaves a lot to players and challenges your decisions without hurting your confidence,” Downes said.
Downes is determined to put bring Fire back into finals contention.
“I want to help make Fire a place that people want to come play for, there’s a lot of local talent that are reluctant to play here because Fire hasn’t done so well recently,” he said.
“I think there’s a high possibility of a top 4 or 6 spot this year with the players Roger is putting together at the moment.”
