Sao Jose A Red Devil Again
Words: Michael Flynn
Image: Ian Judd / Football Brisbane
Redlands United have secured the services of Brisbane Premier League Gold Medal winner Igor Sao Jose in a major recruitment coup for the bayside club.
Sao Jose, 27, spent the previous two seasons with community club Ipswich Knights after previously being part of the 2012 Redlands team that won the Brisbane Premier League Premiership.
Originally hailing from Brazil, the ball-playing midfielder was recognised as the standout player in the third-tier competition at Football Brisbane’s awards night in September.
He will be joined at the Red Devils by English-born Knights teammate Mitchell Bird, a young winger who also previously played youth football at Lions FC.
Sao Jose said his desire to play at the highest level possible was a key factor in his move to PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland.
“It’s a new challenge,” Sao Jose explained, “I’ve been playing BPL for a while now and I had two very good seasons at Ipswich but I want to play at this highest level I can and that’s NPL.”
He added that his familiarity with Redlands coach Matt Chandler’s style of play was also a consideration in choosing the club over other suitors.
“I’m going to somewhere where I already know the coach. I know the way that he plays and I like – it suits the way that I play.”
Sao Jose also said the Cleveland Showgrounds pitch, one of the truest in PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland, will also bring out the best in his game next season.
“It’s a bonus to be playing on a pitch like that. The ball comes perfect and it definitely helps.”
Despite the accolades he received in 2014, Sao Jose explained he was focused on the team performance next season rather than individual awards.
“If I can help the team get to where we want to get to next season then that’s the main thing for me and if the personal achievements come then that’s just a bonus.”
Sao Jose also said he expected Bird to shine at Redlands next year and their understanding will come to the fore in their ne
“He was playing on the wing and I was playing in a ‘number 8’ type position and we linked up well.”
“He’s a very smart young player and has very good pace. I think he’s going to fit into the Redlands style of play,” Sao Jose concluded.
Sources at Redlands confirmed that further signings will be announced in coming weeks.
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