It took just one call for Ally Russell to decide where his footballing future would be in 2022.
“Once I had spoken to (coach) Steve (Glockner) there was only one place I wanted to be,” said the 27-year-old striker.
That was ACE, his home for the last three years during which he has averaged more than a goal a game – 60 goals in 52 Premier League matches.
In that time Ally has also won two Premiership medals, scored in a Grand Final triumph, won the Canale Cup and helped ACE to two Club Championships.
This year he also shared the Brisbane Premier League (BPL) Golden Boot award with 30 goals and made the BPL team of the year.
“It’s been so successful at ACE why would I want to go anywhere else, especially now we have a chance to go up through the FQPL to the NPL,” he said.
“Last season was my best yet (35 goals in all competitions), going through it unbeaten, winning the Premiership and Canale Cup.
“But I think the competition we’re going into (FQPL) will be stronger.”
FQPL2 will comprise: Souths, Holland Park Hawks, Wynnum Wolves, Grange Thistle, Taringa Rovers, North Star, Magic United, Samford Rangers, Virginia United, Coomera Colts, ACE and Surfers Paradise.
“There will be new teams coming in, like us and Surfers Paradise,” he said, “clubs which have dropped down will be strong, other clubs have made good signings.”
Ally played for Pine Rivers United, North Star and North Pine before joining ACE in 2019.
He arrived as a central striker, but last season played on the left wing, in the number 9 and number 10 roles.
“I’ve tended to think number 9 is my natural role, but I’ve had a chat with Steve and I’m happy to help the team in any different positions,” Ally said.
