Tahj Minniecon & Michael Thwaite will be joining United in 09

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THE New Year is off to a flyer for Gold Coast United with confirmation that defender Michael Thwaite and attacker Tahj Minniecon will be joining the club’s quest for honours in their inaugural season.

After weeks of speculation about his future at Queensland Roar, the explosive Minniecon penned a three-year deal with United and will become the club’s under 23 marquee signing.

One of the hottest young properties in the country, 19-year-old Minniecon will add another dimension to the United attack with pace and power his trademark. An Under-17 and Under-20 international for Australia, most pundits predict a big future for the Cairns-born striker who has the ability to terrorise defences in the Hyundai A-League.

United have also secured the services of Socceroo Thwaite, who is on loan at Melbourne Victory from Norwegian club SK Brann, after successfully negotiating his transfer from Brann (at the conclusion of his current contract) and he too will head to the Gold Coast at the end of the season.

The 25-year-old defender, who has been capped at every senior level for the Socceroos, will return to his home state after an impressive year in the colours of Melbourne Victory.

CONFIRMED ROSTER TO DATE (18 players):
Goalkeepers: Jess Vanstrattan, Scott Higgins.
Defenders: Adam Griffiths, Daniel Piorkowski, Kristian Rees, Michael Thwaite.
Midfielders: Matt Osman, Steve Fitzsimmons, Zenon Caravella, Steve Pantelidis, James Brown, Robson, Jefferson, Richard Greer.
Strikers: Shane Smeltz, Andrew Barisic, Milson, Tahj Minniecon.