WITH the signings of Brendon Santalab, Robbie Middleby, Jacob Timpano and Ufuk Talay we now have seven players confirmed.

Player recruitment is in full drive so here’s how I rate our signings and potential signings so far...

Confirmed Signings

Jade North – 7.5
Though I disagree with the signing of Jade as marquee, he is definately a good player and a solid centre-back. North would have rated higher if he wasn’t signed as marquee.

Don Matheson says: "Jade is going to be a role model for the club in terms of representing the program we want to put together.”

Paul Kohler – 4.5
Was released by Newcastle Jets last season, not sure where he has been since. I personally havn’t seen much of him so not sure how good he is.

Jacob Timpano – 6.5
In his first season at Sydney Jacob was fantastic, he then got injured in Season 2 and has barely played for Sydney since. If he can stay injury free for us next season he may end up being one of our most significant signings.

Ian Ferguson says: "I definitely think the boy has got the ability and the temperament and basically the drive to get in there, he's got a lot of great attributes.”

Brendon Santalab - 7
Sydney has missed him of late, and he should provide us with a few goals next season.

Don Matheson says: "We've seen Santalab score some of the best goals in the A-League and again he fits the brand we want, he's brave and takes on players.

Robbie Middleby – 6.5
The 33-year-old has loads of A-League experience with Sydney and will definately be a big help for not only our defence but also the youngsters. Middleby may have not be as fast as he used to be, but is still a good signing.

Don Matheson says: "We like Robbie's experience and leadership and feel he is the sort of tremendously good team person that fits in with the chemistry and the culture we want here.

Jeremy Brockie – 4.5
The 21-year-old has had stints with both New Zealand Knights and Sydney FC. He was released by Sydney and has been playing with Team Wellington since. A decent young player but not good enough to take one of our import spots.

Ian Ferguson says: "He lost his way for a little bit but he has the potential to be a very good acquisition for us."

Ufuk Talay - 4
Ufuk is the latest former/reject Sydney player to join us. Why Ferguson signed him, and for a reported $200,000 a season remains a mystery. Or as one NQ fan put it “Ufuk-ing better earn every cent of it Talay...”

Potential Signings:

Paul Henderson – 7.5
The A-League already has a host of good keepers and Paul would certainly add to that. He is currently playing for Leicester City and is the second-choice keeper.

Chris Grossman - 5
It has been rumored he will sign within the next week. He has been playing well in the Youth League, and now has an opportunity to prove he is a significant signing and can perform at the an A-League level.

Tahj Minniecon – Another 7.5
At only 19 years of age Tahj would possibly be one of our best signings to date. Ian Ferguson was believed to be in contact with him, but was told to come back when he was finished with the Young Socceroos. Fingers crossed!

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Don Matheson is hoping to have a youth team ready for our second season, while a women’s team will likely be a further two seasons after that.

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FourFourTwo’s North Queensland page is now up and running, check it out at: http://au.fourfourtwo.com/aleague2008_club.aspx?team=northqueensland

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You can find the NQ supporters forum at http://forums.northqldfc.com.au/