Defenders John Tambouras and Matt Smith have re-signed with North Queensland until the end of the 2011/12 Hyundai A-League season.
Coach Ian Ferguson is delighted that Tambouras, the 30-year-old who was lured back to Australia from Azerbaijan club Neftchi Baku PFC in time for the Fury’s inaugural campaign, and Smith, who was playing for the Brisbane Strikers before joining the Townsville club, have re-committed.
“Tambo is a no-nonsense defender who wears his heart on his sleeve and gives you everything he-s got,” Ferguson said.
“Matt is a different style of player – he’s not got the same size, but he’s great in the air – he might only be five-foot 11 but he’s six-foot 10 when he jumps for it and he reads the play well.”
“He’s got plenty of heart and I like that in a player.”
Tambouras and Smith are likewise rapt to sort out their futures beyond this season.
“I knew I was going to enjoy it here the minute I got off the plane,” Tambouras said.
“Ian gave me a great opportunity to come back to Australia to play football and now I’ve got another chance to go on with it for another two seasons.”
“The first year is always going to be tough for a new club, but we’ve done well and I want to be part of things as the Fury moves forward.”
“We’ve been talking about me staying for the last few days and I’m really looking forward to it,” added 27-year-old Smith.
“I’ve been loving the opportunity to play in the A-League after being a part-time player in the Queensland State League.”
“I’m going to be here for the next few years now and that-s really exciting for me.”
“There were a couple of other offers but the big thing for me about the Fury is the trust and the honesty from management and there-s an opportunity to be part of the future of the club for the next couple of years.”
