Gold Coast United sign former Socceroos defender Michael Thwaite for 2019 NPL campaign

A GOLD Coast football club has landed the biggest signature in its short history after securing the services of a former Socceroo for the 2019 season.

GOLD Coast United have landed the biggest signature in their short history after securing former Socceroos defender Michael Thwaite for the 2019 NPL.

The 35-year-old, who has lived at Burleigh since joining the failed Gold Coast United A-League venture in 2009, was today unveiled as the Surfsiders’ first player signing under new NPL coach Kristian Rees.

Thwaite, who has been without a club since leaving the A-League’s Western Sydney Wanderers in May, will also serve as an assistant to Rees, a teammate at United from 2009-12.

COAST CLUBS RESPONDS TO CULINA COACHING RUMOURS

“For me it’s very humbling,” Thwaite, capped 13 times by the Socceroos, said.

“When United finished in 2012 my family and I were very heartbroken. We didn’t want to leave the Gold Coast.

“To be honest the few years I had with United were probably the happiest years of my professional career.”

Former Socceroo Michael Thwaite has signed with Gold Coast United for the 2019 NPL. Picture: Pasco Rogato

“Kristian and I played next to each other. He was a leader on the pitch and I’m sure his attributes will see him successful as a coach.

“It’s time to give back for both of us. We’ve both got so much excitement for the future of Gold Coast United.”

Rees said Thwaite’s arrival was “a massive signing”.

“It’s a huge acknowledgment that the club is heading in the right direction,” Rees said.

HEROES AND VILLAINS IN GOLD COAST FOOTBALL REPORT CARD

“It’s fantastic news, very exciting for me being my first signing and really exciting for the club. Michael’s someone who fits exactly the mould of what we’re trying achieve. We’re both all about youth development.”

Born in Brisbane and raised in Cairns, Thwaite started his professional career in Sydney with Marconi in the National Soccer League before heading over to Europe for stints in Romania, Poland and Norway.

A loan transfer brought him back to Australia, where he has played over 200 A-League games, and he has also spent time in the Chinese Super League.