Former Dutch international Kew Jaliens has re-signed with the Newcastle Jets until the end of the 2014/15 Hyundai A-League season.
The Hunter Ports Newcastle Jets have re-signed central defender Kew Jaliens to a one-year contract extension, keeping him at the Club until the end of the 2014/15 Hyundai A-League season.
The former Dutch international has been a key figure for the Jets during his first season at the Club, contributing to six clean sheets in 18 appearances, while also scoring two goals.
Jaliens has added valuable experience to Newcastle-s line-up after joining the Club following a distinguished career in the Dutch Eredivisie, as well as a stint at Polish heavyweights Wisla Krakow.
With the 35-year-old marshalling the backline, the Jets currently boast the Hyundai A-League-s third best defensive record with 27 goals conceded, behind only Brisbane Roar and Western Sydney Wanderers.
Jaliens, who represented the Netherlands at the 2006 FIFA World Cup and 2008 Beijing Olympics, said he was happy to be spending another year in the Hunter.
“My family and I really like it here in Newcastle and it is a very good place for my children to grow up,” Jaliens said.
“The Jets gave me the chance to still show myself as a footballer and continue doing what I love most and for that I feel very blessed.
“I-ve really enjoyed my first season at the Jets. As a team we-ve had some ups and downs so far this season, but I think now everyone really knows what is expected of them and what they have to bring each week in order to get results.
“The focus now is to make the finals this season and from there we-ll take it one match at a time and see where that takes us.”
Jets CEO Robbie Middleby said securing Jaliens- services for another season was big positive for the Club.
“We-ve been extremely pleased with Kew-s contribution this season and we-re delighted he-s decided to extend his stay in Newcastle,” Middleby said.
“The experience Kew has gained playing at the highest level for Club and country, along with his leadership skills, makes him an extremely important part of our squad.
“As well as Kew-s obvious qualities as a footballer, we believe our younger players will continue to benefit greatly from having someone like Kew around to help mentor them for another season.”
Jaliens will be looking to help the Jets keep their fourth clean sheet in their past five matches when Newcastle take on Central Coast Mariners at Bluetongue Stadium on Saturday.
