Taylor Regan will lead the Newcastle Jets against Brisbane Roar at Hunter Stadium on Friday night and believes the team’s performance should reflect the people of the region.
After team training on Thursday Jets boss Phil Stubbins spoke with Regan regarding the role, and the 26-year-old Novocastrian subsequently told media of his honour to captain his hometown club. Regan will wear the armband against Brisbane and be part of a new leadership group at the Jets throughout the remainder of Hyundai A-League season ten.
“Obviously it’s an honour to wear the armband for the Jets and with this group of players,” Regan said. “To be captain in front of my home fans and my family, and for the team that I grew up supporting is important to me.”
There’s no denying that it’s been a tough season for the Jets. But despite a last start struggle against Adelaide United at Coopers Stadium and the departure of a number of players from the club since its round 15 match, Regan believes the men from Hunter Stadium can produce a performance its members and fans can be proud of when Roar arrive.
“No one is hiding the fact that we’ve lost some key members of our squad, but we must move on and play for the community and town and make them proud of us again,” he said. “Over the last few weeks and months there has probably been a bit of pride lost. We want to get that back.”
Regan said that part of the team’s pride restoration process is putting in a performance that reflects the values, morals, and people of Newcastle and its surrounds.
“Having ability is one thing, but I think it’s important that a team reflects its community in the way that we play. We’re determined to roll our sleeves up and get stuck in no matter the situation,” he said.
The former Newcastle Jets Youth player said each player was aware of his role in the team structure for tomorrow night.
“We’re clear of our roles and we have to stick to them.”
“We need to put in a good showing for our loyal supporters,” Regan concluded.
Newcastle Jets Squad vs. Brisbane Roar: 1. Jess VANSTRATTAN (Gk), 2. Scott NEVILLE, 3. Taylor REGAN (C), 5. Ben KANTAROVSKI, 8. Zenon CARAVELLA, 10. Travis COOPER, 11. Andrew HOOLE, 12. Sam GALLAGHER, 13. Edson MONTANO, 16. Jacob PEPPER, 18. Allan WELSH, 19. Mitch COOPER, 20. Ben KENNEDY (Gk), 21. Daniel MULLEN, 22. Lee KI-JE (pending visa), 26. Nicholas COWBURN, 27. Radovan PAVICEVIC *one to be omitted*
Ins: 1. Jess VANSTRATTAN (Gk) (new signing), 3. Taylor REGAN (promoted), 10. Travis COOPER (new signing), 19. Mitch COOPER (promoted), 21. Daniel MULLEN (new signing), 22. Lee KI-JE (new signing), 26. Nicholas COWBURN (promoted)
Outs: Mark BIRIGHITTI (Gk) (on loan – AS Varese), 4. Kew JALIENS (omitted), 6. Adrian MADASCHI (omitted), 9. Joel GRIFFITHS (omitted), 14. Billy CELESKI (omitted), 23. David CARNEY (omitted)
Unavailable: 15. Joshua BARRESI (knee – season), 17. James VIRGILI (ankle – 8 weeks)
Players, coaches and referees can register to “Play Football” by logging onto Australia’s biggest online sports registration portal, which can be found at http://www.myfootballclub.com.au/
Get down to the following Centres this weekend to meet your Hyundai A-League heroes and get involved in some fun football activities.
* Adelaide United – Westfield Tea Tree Plaza – Thursday 5th February 5-7pm
* Central Coast Mariners – Westfield Tuggerah – Thursday 5th February 5-7pm (Click here for more details)
* Newcastle Jets – Westfield Kotara – Saturday 7th February 12.30–2.30pm
* Melbourne City – Westfield Plenty Valley – Sunday 8th February 11am-2pm
* Perth Glory – Westfield Whitford City – Sunday 8th February 11am-2pm
Check back regularly as more clubs announce their appearances.
Check westfield.com.au for more detailed information.
