Off-contract Western Sydney Wanderers star Michael Thwaite eyes return to Gold Coast United

A FAIRYTALE return to Gold Coast United remains a possibility for Michael Thwaite as the out-of-contract defender weighs up what could be his final career move.

A FAIRYTALE return to Gold Coast United remains a possibility for Michael Thwaite as the out-of-contract defender weighs up what could be his final career move.

Wearied by two travel-heavy A-League seasons with Western Sydney, the 35-year-old returned home to Burleigh late last month to spend time with wife Chantelle and his two daughters.

But with his Wanderers deal expiring at the end of May, D-Day is looming for a decision on the next phase of his 16-year career.

The toll that living in Sydney took on family life during his Wanderers stint has left Brisbane Roar as the only viable A-League option, while he would also consider a short-term deal in Asia, where he spent time in 2016.

Michael Thwaite (right) in action for Western Sydney in February. Picture: AAP Image/Dean Lewins

Thwaite played three seasons for Gold Coast United in their original A-League incarnation from 2009-2012, and with growing off-field interests — including his mentoring company That’s Football — a return to the NPL club is not out of the question.

“I’ve had some discussions with both Gold Coast United and Gold Coast Knights — obviously they’re going to come into the NPL next year — but I do feel an affiliation with Gold Coast United because of my history,” Thwaite, capped 13 times by the Socceroos, said.

“A lot has changed since I was playing here. I haven’t considered playing at an NPL level right now but you can never say never.

“Normally after a season my own rule is that I’ll have three weeks without doing anything and then I’ll probably start ticking over (training) with a club here. When I finished in China I was training with Gold Coast City back when they were in the NPL so most likely I’ll start training with a club in June just to keep fit.

Michael Thwaite with Clive Palmer at Gold Coast United in 2011. Picture: Matt Roberts/Getty Images

“As a family, we didn’t really want to leave Gold Coast (in 2012) because we were happy, we were content and then after three years the franchise fell over and I was the captain of the club. That’s why we ended up moving back here after Perth (in 2016).

“There’s definitely a bit of history when it comes to Gold Coast and football and I definitely want to do something here when I do settle. Right now, after being away for so long, it’s just about being a husband and a father and just trying to get my family life back again.”

United chairman Danny Maher confirmed the club had spoken about signing the Cairns product.

“We’d love to have him on board,” Maher said.

“We are actively wanting as many of the previous Gold Coast United players as possible. He’d be great in the community, he’d be a great coach and he can obviously still play.”

THWAITE’S CAREER TIMELINE

Marconi Stallions 2002-04

Naţional Bucureşti (Romania) 2004-06

Wisła Kraków (Poland) 2006-08

SK Brann (Norway) 2008-09

Melbourne Victory 2008-09

Gold Coast United 2009-12

Perth Glory 2012-16

Liaoning Whowin (China) 2016

Western Sydney Wanderers 2017-18