Newcastle Jets player David Carney says the Club is embracing the underdog status bestowed upon them by many pundits ahead of their opening round F3 Derby clash against Central Coast Mariners on Saturday.
Many so-called experts have written the Jets off ahead of the Hyundai A-League 2014/15 season, but Carney said the perception of the team from the outside is not something that will affect Newcastle this coming campaign.
“The senior players don’t really buy into it, but I suppose it’s good to be the underdogs even if it’s a bit disrespectful (to be written off),” Carney said.
“I think everyone prefers the underdog tag… hopefully we can upset a few teams, and not only that, we want to make the playoffs as well.
“Newcastle won the Championship six years ago and I don’t think they were favourites to win, so it can be done.
Carney said the Jets were excited to kick-off their season against their local rivals in Gosford.
“I think it’s been three or four months now since we started pre-season, but we’re fully prepared now and really looking forward to it,” carney said.
“I wanted a good pre-season and to get to know the lads more and work day-in and day-out with them.
“Now that the first game has arrived, I’m really looking forward to it so hopefully we can get a result.
“We’re all excited, especially because it’s an F3 Derby for the first game, which gives it a bit more of an edge.”
Carney said he was looking forward to teaming up with Northern Ireland international Jonny Steele on the left flank.
“So far during pre-season it’s been Jonny Steele on the left with me and we seem to work well together,” Carney said.
“We played together at New York Red Bulls and we’ve got a good understanding, so hopefully we can do that against the Mariners.”
Carney said he hoped to see a big turnout of travelling Jets Members and supporters for Saturday’s fixture.
“We need everyone from Newcastle down there to support us, because it’s an F3 Derby and those are the games you want to see,” Carney said.
“Hopefully we can get our Members to the game because they’re not going to see us at home for four weeks, so hopefully they can give us some good support against the Mariners because we’re going to need it.”
