Six years after joining ACE as a player, Paul Mikula has returned – this time as a coach.
He is taking charge of the ACE Under 23 men’s squad for its first season in the FQPL 1 competition.
“We would like to welcome Paul Mikula back to Wolter Park,” ACE President Tony Dooley said.
“Paul has a well-known affinity with the venue, scoring in extra time winner for Moreton Bay United in 2017 in the amazing FFA cup round of 32 victory over Broadmeadow Magic, creating some wild celebrations in the process.
“Paul has been recently involved in a coaching capacity with Capalaba men’s NPL team and brings a wealth of football knowledge and experience to the club.
“We are certainly looking forward to seeing what this group can achieve under Paul’s leadership in their first foray into QPL competition.
“Paul is a respected member in footballing circles throughout South-East Queensland with a fierce determination to succeed and that will be evident starting with the initial trials for our under 23 squad.”
These will start on Monday November 7,at 7pm, at Brendale Sports Complex.
Paul will look to build on the squad’s superb debut in FQPL 2 this year, when ACE finished second and made the grand final.
It is a sizeable step for the ex-defender, who is doing his Senior C Coaching Licence at the end of a distinguished playing career.
“I helped Billy Ingledew with the Capalaba Under 23s in the NPL last season and enjoyed it,” Paul said.
“Billy knows Tony Dooley (ACE President) and said there was a vacancy in the ACE coaching staff.
“I’ve had a look at the ACE Under 18s and 23s results last year – they were two very strong teams.
“We’re discussing pre-season trials and I’m looking forward to it. I want to be successful and make the top four.”
Paul was with Wynnum Wolves during their triumphant Brisbane Premier League champions (2012) and Premiership (2014) years.
He then played for Mitchelton, ACE, Sunshine Coast and Moreton Bay United, helping the latter to the 2017 NPL Grand Final.
There followed spells at Souths and Brisbane City hanging up his boots.
