Goalkeeper Neil Young has agreed to terms with the Newcastle Jets for a period of 1-year.
Goalkeeper Neil Young has agreed to terms with the Newcastle Jets for a period of 1-year.
Young, 29, has most recently been playing in the Victorian Premier League for Melbourne Knights and trialled twice with the Jets this year, first in June and again last month when head coach Branko Culina and goalkeeping coach Clint Gosling were able run the rule over him.
Originally from Perth, Young spent 14 years at Football West Premier League side Sorrento FC before making the switch to Melbourne, but the new stint with the Jets will be his first in the Hyundai A-League.
The namesake of a famous Canadian rock singer, Young will be expected to push 22-year-old goalkeeper Ben Kennedy throughout the Hyundai A-League 2009/2010 season.
“Neil is a fine person and a very talented goalkeeper,” club CEO John Tsatsimas said today.
“He has obviously had to bide his time throughout his career in order to find his first Hyundai A-League contract, but we-re delighted to have him on board and we believe that he will be a great asset for our club.”
“It will be great to see both he and Ben Kennedy battle for the number 1 position as we embark on the new season,” Mr. Tsatsimas said.
Young has described the move as “a dream come true” and has expressed his excitement at the prospect of joining the Hunter based club.
“Yeah, I-m definitely up for the challenge and it should be a great season hopefully not only for myself but for the club, too.”
“It-s obviously one of the most exciting times that I-ve had in my career,” Young said.
The Jets will take on Wellington Phoenix in their Hyundai A-League round 1 clash at EnergyAustralia Stadium this Sunday, 9 August. Tickets for this match are available from www.proticket.com.au or by calling (02) 4915 2345.
