The Jets will have the services of experienced goalkeeper Paul Henderson while Neil Young is injured.
Goalkeeper Paul Henderson has been signed by the Newcastle Jets until August 27 as an injury replacement for Neil Young.
Henderson, 34, will travel to Victoria with his new teammates this evening as they prepare for their first pre-season hit-out against Hyundai A-League newcomers Melbourne Heart in Morwell on Thursday, 8 July.
Since departing the North Queensland Fury at the completion of last season, Henderson has spent time with NSW Premier League side Sydney Olympic. The former Leicester City gloveman did enough to impress the Jets- coaching staff during his trial over the past fortnight to earn a short-term Hyundai A-League deal.
Meanwhile, Young has been sidelined since Round 22 last season when he picked up a broken nose after a collision with Gold Coast United striker Shane Smeltz. Complications surrounding his subsequent corrective surgeries resulted in Young being hospitalised for an extensive period and suffering significant weight loss.
The Portsmouth-born shot-stopper will undergo his final surgery on July 20 before beginning on the comeback trail.
Club CEO John Tsatsimas today explained that Henderson-s signing will boost the squad heading into the upcoming pre-season trial matches.
“Certainly bringing in a goalkeeper of Paul-s experience is a fantastic thing for the club,” he stated.
“It-s not always easy to source high quality recruits as injury replacement players just prior to the season starting, but we-ve been very fortunate to secure Paul-s services in Neil-s absence.”
“The club has stood behind Neil through every step of his recovery process. In fact, the club Chairman, Mr. Con Constantine, flew Neil-s family from Perth to Newcastle in order to be by his side during what was a very difficult time for them.”
“Generally speaking there is nothing more important than a person-s health and wellbeing, so we wish him a smooth, speedy recovery and all the very best over the coming weeks,” said Mr. Tsatsimas.
