New signing Joey Gibbs took part in his first training session in Jets colours at Ray Watt Oval on Tuesday morning.
Hunter Ports Newcastle Jets signing Joey Gibbs took part in his first training session in Jets colours at Ray Watt Oval on Tuesday morning.
Gibbs, who joined the Jets after spending last season with A-League Premiers Western Sydney Wanderers, said he was looking forward to settling into his new surroundings.
“I like the area and I-ve heard a lot of positive things about the area,” Gibbs said.
“It-s a football town and nearly everyone I know from Newcastle are football fans, so there are a lot of attractions about playing here.
“(My teammates) all seem like good blokes from the first session today and I-m looking forward to the year.
“I wasn-t too sure about my future so I-ve tried to keep my fitness levels up and I felt pretty good today.
“I feel like I-m on the same level as the rest of the boys, which is a good sign.”
With the Jets- forward line already boasting the likes of Emile Heskey, Michael Bridges and Adam Taggart, Gibbs said he is expecting their to be intense competition for places amongst the Jets squad.
“I think I could play anywhere in the front third, but I-m probably more of a natural number nine, possibly number 10, although I guess I-ve got a lot of competition in that area, so we-ll just have to wait and see,” Gibbs said.
“There are a lot of good players in the squad and I think it-s only positive for the young boys.
“They-re full of energy and the experienced ones we have are top class, with Heskey and Bridges and Ruben as well.
“There will be competition for spots and I expect that.”
Despite only having 14 A-League appearances to his name, Gibbs has already won an A-League Championship and Premiers- Plate.
The 20-year-old appeared off the bench in Sydney FC-s 2009/10 Grand Final over Melbourne Victory and made 13 appearances for the Wanderers as their finished the 2012/13 A-League regular season in first place.
Gibbs said he was hoping to continue the trend in Newcastle.
“I-ve been pretty lucky when it comes to winning trophies, so hopefully here in Newcastle we can do something similar,” he said.
Gibbs will feature as part of a 10-man Jets squad that will compete in the Singapore Soccer Sixes tournament this weekend.
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“I-m very excited. It-s my first week here and I get to jet off overseas so that will be good fun,” Gibbs said.
“It will be a good opportunity to get to know the boys and learn what Gary wants to do this season.”
