WaiBOP United is pleased to announce the re-signing of Federico Marquez, Alexis Varela, and Wade Molony, along with the signing of Adam Luque, for the 2015/16 ASB Premiership season.
None of these players will need an introduction to local fans. Marquez, Varela and Molony were integral to WaiBOP United’s efforts during the 2014/15 season, while all three, along with Luque, have been key performers for Hamilton Wanderers during the club’s 2015 NRFL Premier League season.
Marquez, an attacker, was the franchise’s leading scorer, with six goals from 16 games. Midfielders Varela, with 14 appearances and Molony, with 15, each scored once during 2014/15. Varela also made ten appearances during the 2013/14 season. Luque, a central defender, has experience with WaiBOP United’s predecessor, Waikato FC, and signed for WaiBOP United for the 2013/14 season, but only made a handful of youth team appearances due to injury.
WaiBOP United Head Coach, Peter Smith, is happy to have all four local players on board. “Feddy, Ale, Wade and Adam come from the successful Wanderers environment and also know what we’re all about from their previous involvement,” said Smith. “Continuity is important. I know what they can do and they know what we’re about. I’m hoping they’ll return to our environment buzzing from their performances over the winter and that will rub off on the rest of the group.”
Smith is delighted with his attacking options and having his 2014/15 top scorer involved again the icing on the cake. “Feddy scored some excellent goals for us last season and is a real livewire in the attacking third,” said Smith. “Importantly, he has a proven goal scoring record at this level, both with us last season and Canterbury before that. The past helps inform the future and, with the players we’ve signed already, I think he’ll have every opportunity to continue that record.
“Ale has been a consistent midfield performer for us over the last two seasons. He’s solid, reliable and more than a bit skilful, as his goal against Waitakere last season would attest. If he’s playing well the team is playing well,” explains Smith. “I thought Wade was one of the most improved players between our first and second ASB Premiership seasons. He looked at home at this level last summer and now has a chance to kick on.”
For Luque, it’s a return to the top flight. “Adam was unlucky with injury two seasons ago but now has an opportunity to cement himself as an ASB Premiership centre half,” said Smith. “He’s done it consistently for Wanderers for a number of seasons and was excellent for them during 2015. I’m looking forward to him bringing that form and experience to our group for the summer.”
Further player signings will be announced in due course.
