Newcastle Jets are pleased to announce the signing of defender and former captain of the Club, Taylor Regan for the remainder of the 2021/22 Isuzu UTE A-League season.
Novocastrian-born and raised, Regan spent seven years with the Jets playing 68 games from when he joined in 2008, to 2015 when he departed as captain.
Since then, the 33-year-old has played almost 80 games in the Malaysian Premier League and also spent two seasons at Adelaide United.
Regan said that after leaving Malaysia, there was no place he’d rather ply his trade than back with his hometown club.
“There was some interest from other clubs around the A-League, but nowhere compares to home,” Regan said.
“You can’t beat playing in front of friends and family. Those are my best memories. I know so many familiar faces when I look into those stands.”
Entering as part of the new-look Jets, the Dudley-native spoke of the excitement that this season has already produced and said he can’t wait to add his experience to the group.
“What excites me most is the environment the boss [Arthur Papas] has created,” he said. “Everyone wants to be part of it.
“There have been plenty of players and coaches come and go over the years, but I think if you speak with the people who have remained for a long period – guys like Kantarovski, Hoffman and Duncan – they will tell you the same thing.
“I’m not coming into the squad and expecting to walk into the first team, but I will be here to put pressure on them. Hopefully they keep improving, keep working hard and make Newcastle proud. That’s the type of leadership role I want to bring here.”
Manager Arthur Papas said: “Taylor is a local who has grown up supporting the Newcastle Jets and understands what the community is truly about. Therefore we are delighted to bring him back to the club.
“Taylor adds competition and depth on the field as well as being an asset off the field both to the team and whole organisation.”
Regan has already linked up with the team and begun training, and will be available for selection for our next home game against his former side, Adelaide United, on Sunday 30 January.
