Newcastle captain Nigel Boogaard is not expecting any favours when he returns to Coopers Stadium this Sunday to face Adelaide United after making the switch to the Jets for the Hyundai A-League 2015/16 season and beyond.
Boogaard spent five seasons with the Reds in the City of Churches, making over 100 club appearances and helping Adelaide lift the inaugural Westfield FFA Cup in 2014.
While Adelaide are still searching for the first win of their campaign, Boogaard said despite their slow start to the season he expects his former teammates to provide a stern challenge.
“Adelaide is a tough place to go and get points and that was a big emphasis when I was there,” Boogaard said. Â
“You get a great crowd down there.”
“Off the back of their recent results I’m sure they’re going to be keen to turn things around.”
“So we have to go there with a positive mindset and a positive game plan,” he said.
Boogaard suggested the bounce of the ball has been unkind to the Reds so far this season and the fact that last season’s Hyundai A-League semi-finalists are still looking for their first three point haul of the season means they are extra dangerous.
“There has been a few result which haven’t gone their way and a goal here or there could have meant a different result,” Boogaard explained.
“Regardless of where they are sitting on the table we need to be very cautious of what they bring to the table.”
“For them, not having a good start the season as well as being at home will really fire them up.”
“Every game at this stage is a must win for us to stay in touch with the top of the table.”
“We will go down there with our game plan but we’ve got to know that they’re going to be up for the occasion.”
On a more personal level Boogaard said he’s looking forward to making a return to South Australia despite not knowing what kind of reception he will receive.
“It’ll be interesting to go back to Hindmarsh [Coopers Stadium] and see if I get booed when I go out onto the pitch,” Boogaard joked.
“That’s part of football and it’ll be a bit different not wearing red down there.”
“But I’m really looking forward to it.”
“For us the emphasis is to go down there and really take it to them and hopefully we can come home on Monday with three points,” he said.Â
Adelaide United vs. Newcastle Jets – Hyundai A-League 2015/16 Round 7
Date: Sunday 22 November 2015
Venue:Â Coopers Stadium, Adelaide
Kick-off: 4:30pm (local), 5:00pm (AEDT)
Tickets: Please click here to purchase match tickets
Travel: Please click here to view Adelaide away travel deals
Television: Live on FOX SPORTS 505
Radio: Live on ABC Grandstand & 1233 ABC Newcastle
Social Media: Join the match conversation on Social Media using #ADLvNEW
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