Kennedy’s pre-season update

Goalkeeper Ben Kennedy has high hopes for the Newcastle Jets in the upcoming 2011/2012 A-League season.

Goalkeeper Ben Kennedy has high hopes for the Newcastle Jets in the upcoming 2011/2012 A-League season.

After a successful and undefeated pre-season to date, the Jets travel to Wollongong this week to take on the South Coast Wolves before they turn their focus to Sydney FC.

Kennedy says a win against Sydney, and the possible inclusion of their star recruit Brett Emerton in the game, would be icing on the cake for Newcastle-s pre-season.

“This pre-season has been different to recent years. It has certainly been tough and longer but we know we will go into the season benefiting from it,” Kennedy said.

“The game against Sydney will be a good test for us to further improve on our game against another A-League competitor.

“I imagine the trial against Sydney will be similar in standard to our recent victory over Melbourne Heart but this time we hope to showcase a fully fit squad with no injuries and show our supporters what we-re capable of.”

In response to the soaring membership numbers, Kennedy hopes that the crowd and home town support will push the team even further in the 2011/2012 Season.

“With our membership numbers nudging the 7,500 mark it will be great to play home games and to hear our Members and supporters cheering us on. It should really give us that lift and the energy to play our best football.”