Shock switch as Nerang land NPL talent

NERANG Eagles have signed a prominent NPL player to their 2019 Gold Coast Premier League football team.

NERANG Eagles have signed a prominent NPL player to their 2019 Gold Coast Premier League football team.

Acim Tomic, the captain of Gold Coast United this season, said he was delighted with the upcoming switch and was keen to play within the family environment, strong foundations and advanced training programs offered by Nerang.

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“I’m looking forward to ­enjoying my football again ... playing with my heart and remembering why I fell in love with it when I was just a kid,” Tomic said.

Eagles Premier League coach Dave Benigno said he was also looking forward to reuniting with Tomic – known affectionately as Archie to his teammates – after a year apart as coach and player.

Acim Tomic. Picture Glenn Hampson

“Acim’s decision to come to Nerang and play for me again is certainly going to continue to raise the bar for this strengthening squad,” Benigno said.

“Acim brings such strength and presence to a team with his workrate and confidence in his own ability.

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“I have had the luxury of coaching him over the last few years with Arch being a big part of the squad’s success during Surfers Paradise Apollo’s memorable FFA Cup run and grand final win in 2016.”

The recent signing of ex Gold Coast City NPL player Tim Jackson and now Tomic to the Nerang stable for 2019 will integrate extremely well with the impressive standard of juniors coming into senior football at the club.

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Both players have expressed their interest in taking on a supportive and mentoring role as well as playing role at the club.

“(There’s) definitely some exciting times to come,” said Benigno, who is optimistic of the year ahead for the Nerang team.

The recent signings and the notable successes of the emerging under-16 and under-18 ­elements within the club are fast solidifying the Eagles as probable pacesetters in the Gold Coast Premier League season ahead.