Brisbane Roar coach Ange Postecoglou’s persistence on following State League players has lead to the signing of midfielder James Meyer from Eastern Suburbs FC on a one-year contract.
Brisbane Roar coach Ange Postecoglou’s persistence on following State League players has led to the signing of midfielder James Meyer from Eastern Suburbs FC on a one-year contract.
The 24-year-old Meyer has overseas experience, having youth stints at Hertha BSC (Germany) and Bohemian FC (Ireland) between 2006 and 2008 before returning home to Australia, and he will now get a crack at the highest domestic level.
Postecoglou said he and his staff were keen to check out the local talent to ensure stone unturned in signing talent to the Roar.
“We were pretty keen to get out there and have a look at the local league,” he said.
“It wasn-t just about signing anyone, I thought if there was somebody we could give an opportunity to we would.”
“I watched James a couple of times … he can play a number of positions for us, he-s quick and he-s good technically.”
“Sometimes when you give an opportunity to a guy like that, particularly out of the local league, they have a real hunger and ambition and we-re very happy to have him on board.”
Meyer said it was his goal to reach the A-League, and he believes his signing to the Roar was courtesy of his diverse ability on the pitch.
“Playing in the Hyundai A-League was always in the back of my mind and certainly something I wanted to work towards,” Meyer said.
“I prefer (to play) attacking midfield or striker but I-ve been playing right back in the training matches.”
“It-s been interesting playing in the defence … it-s usually me running at defenders so it-s been quite different.”
“This shows that if you-re playing well enough and you-ve got the talent you-ll get the opportunity.”
