Perth Glory FC takes on fellow A-League team, Newcastle Jets in one of tonight’s, Westfied FFA Cup matches round of 32.
So we thought it would be apt to speak to one of Glory’s high profile off season signings and former Newcastle Jets captain, Ruben Zadkovich, about his disappointment at not being able to play against his former employers and also his preview to what will be, Perth Glory’s, debut in the new national FFA Cup competition.
“There was a part of me deep down that knew Glory would draw Newcastle in the inaugural FFA Cup. I could feel it. The script was written perfectly. Unfortunately for me, my body missed the cue…
I will miss Tuesday night’s match due to my current knee niggles. I am gutted that I’m not able to take the field alongside my teammates. They are the ones that have been working extremely hard in pre-season thus far, and inspiring me to work as hard as I can to get back on the park as quickly as possible.
I’m genuinely excited to see how my new teammates perform against my old club.
In pre-season, it is very difficult to get a gauge where the team is at performance wise. However, that said, the boys attitude and application has been very impressive.
There is definitely a high standard we have set early on, which augers well for the upcoming season.
We know, on paper, we have a very talented squad, full of people with that winning mentality. It is now up to us to turn our talent, desire, and hunger for success into more than just words. I have every faith in my teammates that they can start that in Newcastle tonight.
Whatever the result, we will give our all and try to set a tone for what our playing group represents.
The Newcastle Jets have certainly made changes. They have changed their coaching staff and quite a few of the playing personnel. I haven’t heard any news from my old camp, but I can definitely tell you that over there at Broadmeadow Magic’s pitch, the Jets will be a formidable opponent. The ground lies right at the heart of Newcastle’s footballing region. The atmosphere will be very similar to that of the lower league FA cup matches in England. The fans will be right on top of the field, and will make the occasion a very intimate and intriguing one to say the least. I know those Newcastle players will rise to the occasion, and will have a lot to prove under new management.
The set-up and format of this FFA Cup is something that captures the imagination and spirit of the whole footballing world. It pitches the big stars against the unsung heroes of local footballing teams. This match however, will pitch two big A-League teams, full of big names, against each other in must win scenario. Both team are still building and working on new structures and playing styles, and it’s a hard game to try to pick the eyes out of. There are so many variables.
One thing I do know is that my team are ready to put in a big performance. There is so much competition for places, and everyone is playing for their spot every time they take the field.
I have been humbled by how accepting and kind the players, the staff, and people of Perth have been to me since I arrived. I’m chomping at the bit to put on the purple Glory shirt, and start giving back to those who have placed their faith in me.
For now though, it’s purely head down, work hard, and 100% focus on my rehab. I’m in for very nervous, fans like, perspective following the game on radio and twitter here in Perth tonight.”
Glory’s FFA Cup game against Newcastle Jets kicks off at 5.30pm AWST. Match coverage and highlights will be on FoxSports from 5.30pm and on Radio Broadcast: 1233 ABC Newcastle, online at abc.net.au/newcastle or on the 1233 ABC Radio App
For up to the minute live updates on twitter follow @PerthGloryFC.
