New Jets striker Wayne Brown has arrived in the Hunter and says he’s ready to make an immediate impact with the reinvigorated Hyundai A-League club under a familiar face as his new coach.
The 27-year-old, who signed a two-year-deal with the Jets, flew into Australia this week with his family and says he’s excited about a new chapter in his career.
The Jets are also entering an exciting new era under Chinese ownership with ambitions to play in the ACL within three years.
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Brown started his career under Jets boss Scott Miller at Fulham – and played a lone EPL match against Manchester United in 2009 – but has spent much of his career in Finland.
“When I was in England the lower leagues didn’t really suit my style of play,” Brown told the Newcastle Herald.
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“It was a lot of long ball, quite physical. I’m a footballer who likes to get the ball down and play.
“It’s always a place I’ve wanted to come to, Australia. This is the first time I’ve been here.
“The standard looks really high, the players look really physical and strong fitness-wise.
“I think the pace here will be quicker and the ball moves a little bit quicker, so I’m going to have to be sharp and get used to that as soon as possible.”
Brown’s SJK side won the Finnish first division last season, qualifying for the UEFA Champions League, but he says he couldn’t turn down a move to Australia.
He believes the A-League will be a step-up in quality to from the Finnish competition, where he scored 19 goals in 103 games.
“I’m expecting the standard to be higher from the games that I’ve watched comparing it to Finland,” Brown said.
“I’d been there for four or five years, so I was ready for a change and a new challenge.
“I can play all through the midfield or in behind the striker. I’ve played right wing, but I’m more of a man who comes inside and gets on the ball and tries to link that way, not the sort to go and beat someone on the outside,” he added of his best position.
Asked about re-uniting with Miller, Brown said: “I worked with him when I was at Fulham when I was on the verge of the first team there and training with them every day.
“At that time he was on the physical side of the coaching staff. I think he’s the same sort of person. He’s always been a hard worker, a professional and very enthusiastic about his work.”
