Veteran midfielder Ufuk Talay was on Thursday unveiled as captain of North Queensland Fury for the 2010/11 Hyundai A-League season.
Talay, a foundation player at the Fury, is one of only eight players left over from last year’s squad which finished seventh.
He will lead the club with new signing Gareth Edds announced as his vice-captain. Fellow squad members Eric Akoto, Chris Grossman and Mark Hughes will join Talay and Edds in the leadership group.
“It goes without saying that being named captain of North Queensland Fury is a great honour and definitely a career highlight,” Talay said.
“We have a very good blend of youth and experience and although I’m captain, everyone has leadership qualities and I’ll be encouraging all members of the squad to play their role in leading the team, whether through voice or action.”
Talay takes over the captain’s armband from last year’s joint skippers Robbie Fowler (now playing for Perth Glory) and Robbie Middleby (now Fury’s football operations manager).
New Fury coach Franz Straka is happy with the appointment of Talay.
“He is well liked and respected by everyone associated with the club, particularly his fellow team-mates, and his strong on-field presence makes him the right person to lead the team forward,” Straka said.
Talay is a vastly experienced player, having spent several years overseas playing for Turkish clubs Galatasaray, Antalyaspor and Japanese side Avispa Fukuoka.
He also spent three seasons at Hyundai A-League reigning champion Sydney FC making 59 appearances.
