Industrious midfielder and former Socceroo Kasey Wehrman will take the reins as the Newcastle Jets’ new stand-in Captain after Ljubo Milicevic advised the club he would be heading overseas at the conclusion of the current season.
Industrious midfielder and former Socceroo Kasey Wehrman will take the reins as the Newcastle Jets- new stand-in Captain after Ljubo Milicevic advised the club he would be heading overseas at the conclusion of the current season.
Milicevic, the team-s current stand-in Captain, advised the club he wishes to finish his career overseas and in consultation with head coach Branko Culina, it was agreed Wehrman would immediately take on the role with Nikolai Topor-Stanley as Vice Captain.
Culina was confident the change of leadership and Ljubo-s decision to play overseas would have a positive impact on the team in the run to the semi-finals.
“Ljubo-s announcement provides him with a great opportunity to showcase his unique talents on the field and our young players will develop under Kasey-s style of leadership,” Culina said.
“We are grateful that Ljubo has been considerate of the club and made an early decision on the next move in his career.
“This provided us with the opportunity to identify new leaders and an appropriate replacement.”
Milicevic said the decision to leave the Jets wasn-t easy but the time was right.
“I am grateful to have had a special time at the club and to have experienced the change under the new leadership,” Milicevic said.
“It is ironic that it coincides with a change for me. My football has improved substantially over the past 2 years and I am now keen to challenge myself overseas.
“I leave the club with some great friendships and memories but there is still some unfinished business to do on the field and I-m determined to contribute to a big finish with the Jets.”
Culina supported Ljubo-s comments:
“The club is now well placed to develop further on the field and with injured skipper Michael Bridges providing off-field leadership, to further enhance our community partnership,” Culina said.
“It is important at a critical time like this in a really competitive season for all of our players and coaching staff to solely concentrate on on-field results and Ljubo-s early decision will provide him with the opportunity to be single minded about his football and for Kasey to ensure the team bonds on the field starting with Sydney FC next Monday.”
Following Monday-s last minute loss to Melbourne Victory the Jets sit just out of the top-six with games in hand and a win over Sydney FC next Monday at EnergyAustralia Stadium will have them strongly placed for a semi-final position.
