NORTH Queensland Fury's re-birth has received a boost with goalkeeper Matthew Ham and former Melbourne Victory defender Simon Storey signing with the club for next season.
Ham, who grew up in the Burdekin region of North Queensland, will return to his home turf in a one-season deal with the club as a goalkeeper.
Storey has been enticed to North Queensland from Scotland, where he currently plays for Airdrie United in the Scottish Football League.
The two latest signings bring the number of contracted players for the new Fury to 10.
Fury Football Operations Manager Robbie Middleby said Ham was a quality goalkeeper and would challenge Justin Pasfield.
"Matthew's dream was to come home to North Queensland to play for the Fury and we are lucky to have him," Middleby said.
"Matthew trained with the Fury for several weeks last year and I was immediately impressed with his attitude and commitment."
"He is a fantastic addition for the side - he's a young goalkeeper who is hungry to succeed at the highest level."
Storey, who was an integral part of the Melbourne Victory premiership win in 2006/2007, is a versatile player who can play all across the back.
"Storey had some good offers from teams in Europe but we have successfully enticed him to come back to Australia and play for the Fury," Middleby said.
"Storey has been playing left back in Scotland but he can play centre back or right back. He's a very versatile player who has a great deal of experience under his belt for someone under 30."
Fury interim CEO Archie Fraser said the new Fury was strengthening its position as a youthful and exciting team with the two latest signings.
"Matthew and Simon are both young players who have a lot to offer the new team. Matthew is a local to North Queensland and will bring a great sense of pride playing in a Fury jersey," Fraser said.
"Simon's experience will provide great balance for the youthful side. He knows what it takes to win a premiership and will be a key in our defence."
The club's selection panel is likely to announce a new coach within a month.
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