Keeping a close eye on the Brisbane Premier League has borne fruit for Brisbane Roar coach Ange Postecoglou, with the club securing exciting midfielder James Meyer from Eastern Suburbs on a one-year contract.
A versatile player who is at home bearing down on goal from midfield, Meyer links up with the Roar after youth stints with European youth squads at Hertha BSC (Germany) and Bohemian FC (Ireland).
Brisbane head coach Postecoglou has been a regular spectator across BPL grounds over the past few months and knew he had found a gem when he spied Meyer playing in the BPL.
“We were pretty keen to get out there and have a look at the local league,” Postecoglou said.
“It wasn-t just about signing anyone, I thought if there was somebody we could give an opportunity to we would.
“I watched James a couple of times … he can play a number of positions for us, he-s quick and he-s good technically.
“Sometimes when you give an opportunity to a guy like that, particularly out of the local league, they have a real hunger and ambition and we-re very happy to have him on board.”
For his part, Meyer said the chance to prove his worth against Australia-s best football talent was the realisation of an aspiration he-d been harbouring since his return from Europe.
“Playing in the Hyundai A-League was always in the back of my mind and certainly something I wanted to work towards,” Meyer said.
“I just want to prove I can take the step up and that I-m worthy of my position in the squad.”
Meyer secures a senior contract after impressing Brisbane coaching staff with his out-of-position cameo appearances during the club-s pre-season Roar Roadshow tour.
“I prefer attacking midfield or striker but I-ve been playing right back in the training matches,” Meyer said.
“It-s been interesting playing in the defence … it-s usually me running at defenders so it-s been quite different.
“This shows that if you-re playing well enough and you-ve got the talent you-ll get the opportunity.”
Postecoglou was quick to acknowledge the role of Eastern Suburbs in Meyer-s transfer to the Roar, crediting the club-s willingness to give the midfielder the chance to play in the Hyundai A-League despite the difficulty of losing one of its prized assets.
“We appreciate the fact Easts have let him go, they are obviously in the middle of their season,” Postecoglou said.
“The club and coach Alan Hunter have been good enough to release him and that-s the kind of relationship we want to have.
“If a player is talented we want to give them an opportunity and make it as seamless as possible.
“Easts have certainly played they-re part in that for James.”
James Meyer
Date of Birth: 28 May 1986
Place of Birth: Sydney, Australia
Height: 1.78m
Weight: 71kg
Position: Midfielder/Striker
Junior Club: Queensland Lions
Career: 2005 – 06 Brisbane City
2006 – 07 Bohemian FC youth (Ireland)
2007 – 08 Hertha BSC youth (Germany)
2009 Brisbane Olympic
2010 Eastern Suburbs
