Taylor Regan believes the Jets’ upcoming trial matches provide a good platform for the team to work on its style of play.
Hunter Ports Newcastle Jets defender Taylor Regan believes the Club-s upcoming trial matches provide a good platform for the Jets to work on different playing systems for the 2013/14 A-League season.
Following the cancellation of Wednesday-s trial match against Newcastle University FC, the Jets are scheduled to open their pre-season against Plattsburg-Maryland FC at Ulinga Oval next Wednesday.
The match is one of four matches the Jets have locked in against local opposition over the next month.
Regan believes the fixtures will give the Jets a good opportunity to perfect their style of play before the season starts.
“We-re trialling some new playing systems. It-s a little bit new to us, but we-ve got four months to work on it,” Regan said.
“It-s about being a little bit versatile, because if you have to chase a game or whatever it may be throughout the season, you have to have a back-up plan
“That-s what we-re doing at the moment and we-ll wait and see how it goes in pre-season to see if we do implement it during the A-League season.”
With Regan being the only out-and-out centre-back in the Jets squad that is currently available to play, the Jets may look to play three at the back in their upcoming friendlies.
Scott Neville and Sam Gallaway could partner Regan in the backline.
“There-s Josh Mitchell who is on his way back from injury and Connor Chapman who is away with the Young Socceroos at the moment,” Regan said.
“Both of those players have still got to come back in, but at the moment it-s a little bit different being the only centre-back there.
“It-s a little bit of pressure because I really need to stand up and be a leader out there and that-s what I-m going to try and do.”
After three gruelling weeks of training, Regan said he was looking forward to breaking up the daily grind with 90 minutes of competitive football.
“With such a long pre-season you-ve got to break it up somehow and games are the best way to do that,” he said.
“I think the most important thing is getting the match fitness so that come Round 1 we-re flying.
“Last year we started the season quite well and then we hit a bit of a tough patch a few rounds in.
“We have to find a balance and we-ve all got faith in the coaching and fitness staff that they-ll have us ready for that first game of the season and beyond.”
