Locally born and bred defender Taylor Regan will lead the Newcastle Jets against Brisbane Roar at Hunter Stadium on Friday night, and he 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)
Newcastle Jets vs. Brisbane Roar – Hyundai A-League 2014/15 Round 16
Friday 6 February 2015
Hunter Stadium, Newcastle
Kick-off: 7:40pm
Tickets: Please click here to purchase tickets to the match.
Twitter: Join the match conversation using #NEWvBRI @NewcastleJetsFC
