| James is primed to make the 2011/12 season his best yet after a bitter-sweet opening two years as a full-time professional. The frustration of suffering a broken leg in the pre-season of his first year at United was tempered by the joy of making his senior debut, scoring his first Hyundai A-League goal and playing a central role in the Coast's National Youth League Grand Final win. He started the following season brightly, making 12 appearances and scoring two goals before his luck ran out and injury hit once more. A local lad, James was signed from the Australian Institute of Sport where the Kingscliff-raised midfielder was one of the most highly thought of youngsters. He fought back from a bout of osteitis pubis to establish himself as a Qantas Young Socceroo, and featured in the AFC Under 19 Championships in Saudi Arabia. Blessed with pace, vision and the ability to influence a game, big things are yet to come for the former Burleigh Heads player as he looks to establish himself as one of the most promising young midfielders in the Hyundai A-League.
2009/10 season: 9 appearances, 1 goal.
2010/11 season: 12 appearances, 2 goals. |