Former Juventus custodian Jess Vanstrattan has today linked with Newcastle Jets until the end of the Hyundai A-League 2014/15 season in a dual role.
Until the completion of the current campaign Vanstrattan will provide back up to Ben Kennedy as the Jets’ reserve keeper, and mentor Kennedy and John Solari.
Vanstrattan spent seven years in Italy as a player before returning to Australia to feature for Gold Coast United and Central Coast Mariners in the Hyundai A-League.
A former Australian youth international, Vanstrattan has most recently been coaching the goalkeepers at Central Coast Mariners Academy and Central Coast Football.
The 32-year-old said he is excited to be back involved with a Hyundai A-League club and hopes that he can provide a positive influence for Kennedy and Solari over the coming months.
“It’s a great feeling,” Vanstrattan said. “I wasn’t sure I would get another chance as a player, but certainly I want to coach goalkeepers at the Hyundai A-League level and this provides me with a platform to do that. I think in this situation to be a back up to Ben [Kennedy] is something that someone with my experience can deal with.”
Vanstrattan added that he hopes to be able to share some of the “little things” he’s learnt throughout his career with Kennedy and Solari in a bid to make them stronger keepers for the Club.
“During my time with Juventus I worked closely with one of the best goalkeepers in history, Gianluigi Buffon, and some fantastic goalkeeper coaches,” he said. “So I think there are plenty of little things, advice and improvements I can offer Ben and John that can be beneficial for the Jets.”
Newcastle Jets Head Coach Phil Stubbins said he’s delighted to have recruited Vanstrattan.
“Jess has a lot of experience and has played at a very high level,” Stubbins said. “We’re sure that he will prove to be an able deputy for Ben Kennedy if required, and that he possesses the knowledge to assist BK and John Solari to enhance their game.”
“Jess is another fresh, enthusiastic face at the Club and we’re delighted to have him on board.”
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