Newcastle Jets captain Nigel Boogaard says the club recognises the disappointment of supporters regarding its recent run of results, but has assured Jets Members and fans that no stone is being left unturned as the team seek to return to the type of form that earned them praise and plaudits early in the campaign.
Speaking following training earlier this week Boogaard explained that the group has its own expectations and goals, and are committed to improving both individually and collectively in the second half of Hyundai A-League season 11 as the club continues to rebuild.
“We definitely feel their pain,” Boogaard said of the club’s supporters. “But we know that we are doing everything in our power to try and rectify the results, and I think that’s key.”
“There’s a massive amount of desire, hunger and drive within our group, and we are very ambitious.”
“So we’re not happy with where we are [on the ladder] at the moment and we are doing everything in our power to turn that around.”
“The mood is positive in the camp, and we have an opportunity against Wellington on the weekend to prove that on the field.”
“There is still a lot of room for improvement within the group and the whole club,” he said.
The Jets host Wellington Phoenix at Hunter Stadium on Sunday, and while the team’s recent lack of goals against other opponents may be well documented Newcastle have in fact scored eight times in their last three home encounters against the men from the land of the long white cloud.
Moreover, the Jets have scored in their past six matches against the Phoenix whether at home or away, and under Scott Miller and co. managed to defeat Ernie Merrick’s men in the opening round of the season at Wellington’s Westpac Stadium.
Boogaard said finding the back of the net against the Phoenix isn’t solely up to the players identified within the team as attackers.
Moreover, he called on the playing group to give the team’s coaches more on Sunday.
“We defend as a team as we attack as a team,” Boogaard said. “So as a collective we have to give them [the attackers] the platform to be able to create chances and really attack from further up the park or better positions.”
“We need to go out there [on Sunday] and make sure that we play the way the coaching staff want.”
“The emphasis should be on the playing group in terms of fulfilling our potential, because everyone can speak about the coach wanting to take the heat but as a playing group we need to step up and give more as well.”
“We know that we have the ability within the squad to do well,” Boogaard concluded.
Meanwhile, interim Newcastle Jets Chief Executive Officer Mr David Eland has called upon Jets Members and fans to continue supporting the club wholeheartedly on Sunday in order to give the squad an extra lift against the ‘Nix.
“Clubs that are rebuilding always go through ups and downs,” Eland explained. “But the constant for a football club like the Newcastle Jets is the pride and passion displayed by its Members and supporters.”
“Let’s rally behind the team again this Sunday at Hunter Stadium to give the squad an extra boost, and help them in their efforts to defeat Wellington,” he said.
Newcastle Jets vs. Wellington Phoenix – Hyundai A-League 2015/16 Round 15
When: Sunday 17 January 2016
Where: Hunter Stadium, Newcastle
Gates Open: 1:45pm
Westfield W-League: 2:00pm (Newcastle Jets Women vs. Brisbane Roar Women)
Hyundai A-League: 5:00pm
Social Media: Join the match conversation using #NEWvWEL (A-League) & #NEWvBRI (W-League)
Tickets: Please click here to purchase match tickets (ticket price includes both matches)
