Craig Deans today announced that Newcastle local Ben Kennedy will wear the goalkeeping gloves on Saturday…
Craig Deans today announced that Newcastle local Ben Kennedy will wear the goalkeeping gloves on Saturday when the Jets come up against Melbourne Heart at Ausgrid Stadium.
Kennedy has had some stiff competition since the arrival of Matthew Nash, with the 24-year old training hard to retain his spot in the goals.
“It has been a really tough decision, more for our Goalkeeping Coach Clint Gosling than myself,” Deans said.
“BK has been around at the Jets for a long time and showing him some faith is the right thing to do. I have no doubt he will repay the faith by putting in a solid performance on Saturday.”
Deans is first to admit that Kennedy-s appointment is a disappointing outcome for Nash who only came to the Jets this season.
“It isn-t the outcome Matt Nash would have wanted, there has not been much between these two players in the last three or four months,” Deans added.
Meanwhile Marko Jesic, who injured his ankle in the Jets intra-club match and was racing the clock to be fit for Saturday’s game, is unlikely to take his spot in the team.
“It is disappointing for Marko but he has put his hand up and said he is not 100 per cent, unless something dramatic happens I don’t think he will play which is disappointing for him but it gives someone else a chance,” he said.
“Ali (Abbas) can slot straight in as a ten, he is comfortable there, he has a bit of an x-factor and I think he will do a fine job there.”
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Hear more from Craig Deans and the Jets’ boys from today’s media call at Ausgrid Stadium:
