These are the people the Newcastle Jets have left to play for.
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With only one win this season, a roster torn apart, staff being sacked, ongoing ownership issues and a licence deadline looming this weekend – the fans could well provide the sole motivation for the players, including East Maitland goalkeeper Ben Kennedy, who remain at the embattled A-League club.
Aberglasslyn father-son combination Matt and Jesse Hubbard are part of the 10,003 Jets members signed up for the 2014-2015 campaign.
They are down at Hunter Stadium for every home game decked out in supporters’ gear and Matt said despite all the turmoil it was important to keep turning up in the club’s hour of need.
“As far as showing support for the Jets it’s important to demonstrate we are still behind football locally,” Matt, who plays football for Greta Branxton, said.
“It’s for kids like Jesse and the kids he plays with, to have a national football team in town and we want to keep it that way.”
Jesse, who plays football for Hunter Hawks under 12s, said he was devastated when he heard the news that his favourite player Joel Griffiths had been sacked along with four other quality teammates.
“I couldn’t believe it,” Jesse said.
“It’s five of their best players all gone.”
Jesse found out about the debacle on Thursday morning, less than two days after being down at the Jets’ home ground for the Socceroos’ 2-0 Asian Cup semi-final win over UAE.
“It was epic,” he said.
Jesse said he just loves being there to watch the Jets play.
“I love seeing all the excitement at the ground on game day,” he said.
“The goals being scored and the wins.”
The Jets play at home next Friday night, February 6, against the Brisbane Roar.