The Wollongong Wolves may have lost Thomas James to the A-League, but the striker's replacement is confident he can bring a new dimension to the side's attack.
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Former Central Coast Mariner Josh Bingham has stepped into the squad, and he said he feels no pressure to replicate the goal-scoring prowess James regularly displayed.
"I don't really see myself as replacing Thomas," Bingham said. "Obviously he's a top player and has been fantastic for the club, he's got a well-deserved opportunity.
"But we're different players, Luke is bringing me in to play a role and I will do it to the best of my ability. I hope to succeed in the shortened season, we expect to be around the top after 12 games and play for the trophies that are on offer."
Bingham's recruitment marks seven years since he last played for the Wolves, the 25-year-old featuring for the club's under 20s side in 2013.
In that period he has played 36 games in the A-League and enjoyed stints in England and Melbourne, with Bingham confident he has grown as a player since that season with the Wolves.
"That was my first year of football at a high level in the NPL before I went on to play in the A-League. I've got a lot to thank for that season and since then I've learnt a lot under a lot of good coaches.
"I hope to do what I can to help this team and I've still got aspirations to be back at a professional club. Persistence is the key in football, when I'm out on the pitch, I've got to do everything I can with the shirt I've got on and if anything comes with that, it's an added bonus."
Cameron Mee
Sports reporter at the Canberra Times
Sports reporter at the Canberra Times
