He grew up as a ballboy for the Newcastle Breakers in the old National Soccer League, hoping to one-day graduate into the big time himself.
For Newcastle-junior Taylor Regan, playing for his hometown team in the top league in Australia has been a long-held dream.
But that wish is a step closer for the 21-year-old defender after he signed a full-time deal with the Jets’ Hyundai A-League squad on Thursday.
Regan, who was captain of the Jets National Youth League side, has signed a two-year deal with Branko Culina’s squad.
He said putting pen to paper for his hometown club was a dream come true.
“Ten or eleven years ago I was actually a ballboy for the Newcastle Breakers, back when they played at Birmingham Gardens, and growing up then that’s always what I wanted to do,” Regan said.
“I’ve always wanted to be a professional footballer and to finally get a chance to perform and have a go at finally reaching my dream is something that I’ve always wanted.”
Regan has been on the Jets’ bench twice before without getting onto the pitch but is eager to push the club’s more seasoned defenders for a spot in the starting line-up next season.
“We already have Ljubo Milicevic and Nikolai Topor-Stanley in my position, who are seasoned campaigners and blokes who I really look up to,” he said.
“I aspire to be like them one day, I’ve got a year contract to prove that I can do a job, so if an injury occurs and I get a shot then I’ll take it with two hands.”
Jets CEO John Tsatsimas took great delight in officially welcoming the local boy to the Hyundai A-League side.
“It’s always a great and a pleasure when we are able to announce a signing, particularly one that’s from the Newcastle area,” he said.
