FNQ football: Ward on his ‘exciting’ return to Marlin Coast

Back where it all began. Marlin Coast will welcome back treble-winning goalkeeper, Kev Ward, as they prepare for their assault on the 2024 FNQ season.

Marlin Coast Rangers is thrilled to announce the key signing of goalkeeper Kev Ward for the 2024 FQ Far North & Gulf season.

Ward, a pivotal member of our Marlin Coast Treble-winning side in 2013 at the age of 20, is returning home to don the Rangers’ colors once again.

Ward said he was thankful for his time at Edge Hill, but excited for the fresh start back home.

“I’m looking forward to coming back to where it all started for me as a junior, helping the club to be successful once again,” Ward said.

“Time at Edge Hill was fantastic, club was great to me when I first arrived but I think it’s the right time for a change.

“Marlin Coast are a fantastic club, late ’00s we were a powerhouse and 2013 we won the treble.

“Hopefully we can bring some more success and some trophies back to the cabinet.”

Championship winning goal keeper Kev Ward has announced he will play for the Marlin Coast Rangers Football Club in the 2024 FNQPL season, the club where he played his junior soccer and won a championship in 2013. Picture: Brendan Radke

Crios O’Hare and Charlie Beverley will lead the new era at Marlin Coast after locking in their futures at the FQPL Far North and Gulf club.

The pair were a key influence on Ward’s decision to join Marlin Coast, with their coaching philosophy and relationship off the pitch.

“Crios and Charlie as coaches was a big drawcard, good mates off the pitch as well as on the pitch.

“(O’Hare) has a very attacking (philosophy), but Charlie brings the defensive-minded approach.

“They were a big reason, but going back home to my junior club ultimately decided it.”

The Marlin Coast Rangers Football Club has pulled off a signing coup, with former Edge Hill player/coach Crios O'Hare and player Charlie Beverley joining the premiership side for the 2024 FNQPL season. Picture: Brendan Radke

Ward, 30, has had a remarkable football journey.

After winning the NPL Queensland State League with FNQ Heat FC, he went on to become Mr. Reliable for Edge Hill United, securing an impressive 13 trophies from 2018 to 2023.

He boasts an incredible record of 47 clean sheets in 95 games over his past five seasons. Additionally, he brings prior experience with A-League sides Brisbane Roar and Central Coast Mariners.

Marlin Coast head coach Crios O’Hare said he was excited for Ward to anchor his team from the back.

“I think it’s fair to say that Kev was a given to come across to Marlin Coast,” O’Hare said.

“We’ve had a great relationship in the years we’ve played together at Marlin Coast, the State league, and locally.

“He’s proved himself to be a top class keeper and top class teammate.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing him back in Coast colours and leading us from the back next season.”

Tigers goal keeper Kev Ward in the Australia Cup game between the Edge Hill Tigers and the Gold Coast Knights, held at Tiger Park, Manunda. Picture: Brendan Radke

Ward will bring safe hands, a commanding presence and an ability to distribute with class and play as a sweeper keeper if required.

“I like to get involved in the game as much as possible, I do play relatively high on the pitch (for a goalkeeper),” he said.

“Going out to Marlin Coast, the pitch is like a carpet, I’m sure I’ll be involved in the build-up of play a lot more this (upcoming) season.

Ward has had a number of influences on his goalkeeping career, from Premier-league specialists to hero’s closer to home.

“I was always a big fan of Joe Hart,”

“Huge fan of (Liverpool’s) Alisson Becker, but hard to go past (Mark) Schwarzer’s heroics in the infamous 2006 World Cup qualifier (against Uruguay).”

Originally published as FNQ football: Ward on his ‘exciting’ return to Marlin Coast