Newcastle Jets signing Allan Welsh says he is ready to hit the ground running for the Jets after stellar season in the South Australian NPL with Croydon Kings, culminating in a Grand Final win last Sunday.
Welsh helped guide the Kings to their first top flight title in 37 years, defeating MetroStars 2-1 in the decider at Hindmarsh Stadium.
The 20-year-old said the Grand Final victory had been the perfect way to farewell his NPL Club before linking up with the Jets this week.
“It was my first Grand Final and the perfect send off from all the boys at Croydon,” Welsh said.
“I really enjoyed my time playing for the Kings and I couldn’t have asked for a better way to bow out.
“Hopefully I can use the momentum and confidence I got from playing in the SA NPL this year and bring that to the Jets.”
Welsh, a former Adelaide United youth team captain, signed his first professional full-time contract with the Jets and has sets his sights on making a positive impact for the Club this season.
“I wasn’t expecting a contract this season to be honest because I was coming back from a few injuries and just wanted to get back into playing and get my body right,” Welsh said.
“I started playing well for my NPL club and this opportunity came up out of the blue, so I’m really happy to have the chance to play for the Jets.
“I spent a lot of time in the gym and focused on getting my body right and I feel like I’m at my fittest point ever.
“I didn’t come here to just sit on the bench and make up the numbers, I want to get as many games in as possible.”
Welsh is part of the Jets’ 16-man squad who face the Central Coast Mariners in a pre-season friendly in Mudgee on Saturday.
“We’ll be looking for everyone to work hard and put in a good performance to try and get a good result this weekend to build confidence,” Welsh said.
