The Newcastle Jets have appointed former Dutch international Kew Jaliens as the Club’s captain for the 2014/15 Hyundai A-League season.
Jaliens has added valuable experience to Newcastle’s line-up after joining the Club following a distinguished career in the Dutch Eredivisie, where he won the Championship with AZ Alkmaar in 2009.
After 16 seasons in the Dutch top flight, the central defender spent three seasons at Polish heavyweights Wisla Krakow, for whom he played in the UEFA Champions League.
Jaliens also represented the Netherlands at the 2006 FIFA World Cup and 2008 Beijing Olympics.
The 35-year-old was a key figure for the Jets during his first season at the Club, contributing to six clean sheets in 18 appearances, while also scoring two goals.
Jets head coach Phil Stubbins said Jaliens was the right person to wear the captain’s armband for Newcastle during the 2014/15 Hyundai A-League campaign.
“The experience Kew has gained playing at the highest level for both Club and country makes him a great candidate to captain the Jets this season,” Stubbins said.
“I’m sure Kew will do a fantastic job, along with the other senior players in the group, of leading the squad this coming season.”
Jaliens said he was honoured to be given the privilege of captaining the Newcastle Jets.
“I’m very happy to be given the chance to captain the side this season,” Jaliens said.
“Hopefully I can lead by example with my actions both on and off the field and help guide the team to a successful season.”
Jaliens will captain the Jets for the first time in a competitive match on Tuesday night when they take on Perth Glory in their FFA Cup Round of 32 fixture at Magic Park in Broadmeadow.
Jets supporters who pre-purchase their tickets to Tuesday night’s FFA Cup match can save more than 25% compared to those who purchase on the night. CLICK HERE to purchase tickets.
