Coomera vice presidents Tony Roach & Dean Humphreys discuss how club secured former A-League star Henrique

A WEEK on from Coomera’s stunning capture of former A-League fan favourite Henrique, the men who worked to bring the Brazilian attacker to Viney Park have revealed how they made their recruitment dream a reality.

IT was a chance meeting that would sow the seeds for one of the biggest moments in Coomera’s 36-year history.

Stream over 50 sports Live & On-Demand with KAYO SPORTS on your TV, computer, mobile or tablet. Just $25/month, no lock-in contract. Get your 14-day free trial and start streaming instantly

A week on from the Colts’ stunning capture of five-time A-League trophy winner Henrique for next year’s Gold Coast Premier League, the men who worked to bring the Brazilian attacker to Viney Park have revealed how they made their recruitment dream a reality.

At Football Gold Coast’s junior grand final day on September 21, Coomera vice president - football Tony Roach made the first move when he began chatting with Henrique, who was in attendance as a Brisbane Roar ambassador.

EAGLES LAND ONE OF COAST FOOTBALL’S BIGGEST NAMES

As talk turned to the 34-year-old’s future after parting ways with the Roar at the end of the 2018-19 season, Roach proposed a playing role with the Colts in 2020 and was surprised at the response.

“It’s one of those things, if you don’t ask (it won’t happen). Speaking to him was purely from a Premier League point of view, (thinking) if we can get him on the Coast that would be great,” Roach said.

Coomera signing Henrique. Picture: Jason O'Brien

“(But) it wasn’t about just wanting to play, he wanted to be part of a club in which he could impart some knowledge. He was very passionate about it.”

Buoyed by their brief encounter, Roach then turned to Dean Humphreys, Coomera’s vice president - business and chief financial officer at club sponsor Village Roadshow.

UNITED SECURE NPL STAR

Together, they formulated a proposal while organising a follow-up meeting with Henrique, who won two premierships and three grand finals with the Roar during a 10-year A-League career.

“In that meeting of the minds, he is exactly where we are in the vision and journey. I was super excited because as a club we needed a catalyst to take the club forward,” Humphreys said.

“We’ve done very well with existing resources and facilities but we needed to take things to the next level. When we spoke to (Henrique), he still wants to play but more importantly he sees his future as an A-League coach and he needs to learn.

RECOVERING HILTON DISCUSSES PREMIER LEAGUE FUTURE

“He’s a B Licensed coach and he really wants to cut his teeth and that’s exactly where we are. We want to take the next step but we need someone to take us there.”

While specific details of his Colts coaching role are still to be finalised, Henrique is likely to serve as head coach of one Junior Premier League side and oversee the club’s entire youth ranks.

The diminutive Brazilian with Coomera coaches and junior players. Picture: Jason O'Brien

“We’re on the same page about development football on the Gold Coast. He’s just wanting to be part of everything,” Roach said.

“Having these high-profile players, we need to be able to engage them with juniors. Sometimes they become too far away and kids can’t get experience from them.

COAST STALWART HITS BACK AT ‘LACK OF TALENT’ CLAIMS

“We’re having a look at where we can best apply his skills. He still has that connection with the Brisbane Roar so it’s opening up a pathway and expanding our area of contact so the kids have a pathway.

“It gives kids that opportunity that they may not have experienced. Because of his professionalism, we’ve got to lift our game.”