Three clubs were in Sam Noye’s “thoughts” for 2023, but ACE were “top of the list”.
The highly-rated centre back had spent last season at his home-town club SWQ Thunder, finishing fourth in FQPL 1.
But with all the travelling to and from Toowoomba, the 20-year-old was looking for a move closer to his Brisbane home.
“With all the things I’ve seen and heard … ACE was top of the list,” said Sam, who spent 2020 and 2021 in the NPL at Capalaba.
“I grew up playing (for SWQ Thunder) at Wolter Park. It’s a great set up and I’ve never heard a bad word about the club.
“Steve (Glockner) was also great talking through everything with me, the whole process.”
It’s no surprise the ACE coach, preparing for his sixth season at the club, was “very happy” with his new signing.
At 1.9m tall, Sam is an imposing defender who can also play in the holding midfield ‘six’ role and was in every game for SWQ last season.
“Even though he is only 20, Sam comes with a wealth of experience at a higher level,” said Steve.
“He will certainly help the players around him and I’m very happy to have him at ACE in 2023.”
Sam will be back at Wolter Park before Christmas when pre-season training starts, but already has personal targets for 2023.
“I want to get used to the new team and be one of the better central defenders in this league,” he said.
“It’s very hard to predict next season in FQPL 1. We don’t know what (relegated NPL sides) Capalaba will do and there’s talk Logan may keep a lot of their players.
“So I just want to keep trying to improve and help ACE – possibly make the top four.
“I think the key is consistency at this level. It’s a tough league with a lot of good sides.
“You have play consistently well to have a chance of promotion.”
