The Newcastle Jets today announced the re-signing of midfielder Ben Kantarovski for a further three years
The Newcastle Jets today announced the re-signing of midfielder Ben Kantarovski for a further three years in a significant boost leading into Saturday-s clash with Adelaide.
The match against Adelaide United FC kicks-off a five-game home schedule, climaxing in the Qantas Challenge clash against the LA Galaxy on 27 November.
Kantarovski, the Young Socceroos captain, became the youngest player in A-League history when he signed with the Jets as a 15-year-old in 2008.
After a boom rookie season in which he quickly rose to prominence in the Jets- ranks, Kantarovski, now 18, said he was impressed with the new direction of the club.
“I-m a homegrown boy and I love playing in front of our home fans,” Kantarovski said today.
“But one of the major reasons I chose to re-sign was that the future looks great for us on and off the field.
“We are building really well as a team and there is a great feeling around the place.”
Jets Chief Executive Officer John Tsatsimas said:
“Ben is a homegrown Newcastle product and we are extremely proud to have him in a Jets jersey for another three years.
“Ben is an integral part of not only our club but also the national youth team as its captain and it is the club-s intention to have as many players from the Northern New South Wales region representing the Newcastle Jets at an elite level.”
Jets coach Branko Culina said:
“Ben-s a young man with an enormous amount of talent,” Culina said.
“He-s the captain of the Australian Under-20 team and that just shows how well regarded he is in Australian football.
“This is just his third season of senior football but he-s a very mature player for his age.
“We are yet to see the best of Ben Kantarovski. I-ve no doubt if he continues to work hard at his game he will develop into a very good all-rounded midfielder.”
KEY INFO – BEN KANTAROVSKI
Age: 18 years old
Weight: 74kgs
Height: 183cm
2010/11 Games: 9
Career Games: 38
Mins Played: 774
NEWCASTLE JETS UPCOMING GAMES
EnergyAustralia Stadium, Newcastle
Saturday, 13 November v Adelaide United FC, kickoff 7.45pm
Wednesday, 17 November v Brisbane Roar FC, 7.30pm
Saturday, 20 November v Wellington Phoenix FC, 7pm
Wednesday 24 November v Central Coast Mariners, 6pm
Saturday 27 November v LA Galaxy (Qantas Challenge), 7.30pm
