Fresh from his trip with the Olyroos, outgoing Newcastle Jet Andrew Hoole spoke exclusively to Outside90 club correspondent Chris Matthews-Darby following their 2-0 loss to Perth Glory.
Andrew Hoole is one of the most exciting young products in the A-League. Since making his debut in 2013 the Newcastle junior has been a mainstay in their squad and has produced many great performances which has led to him representing his country at youth level. The Jets winger possesses all the characteristics needed to be successful in his position.
The 21-year-old just returned from Taiwan where he was representing the Olyroos in the first stage of qualifying for the 2016 Olympics. Hoole netted three times in a 5-1 win over Myanmar and he is confident of helping his country qualify for the Games. He has already represented his country at the 2013 Under 20 World Cup and he says Rio is something he is aspiring towards.
“It was obviously a good feeling scoring my first goals for the national team but it’s all about perspective when you’ve got Rio in the back of your mind so you want to look forward to that. Our next qualifiers are in January so hopefully we can push on and get to the tournament.”
If the talented youngster does make Australia’s Olympic team he will do so as a Sydney FC player. Graham Arnold announced in March that he had signed for the Sky Blues.
Moving from a small regional town such as Newcastle to a big city like Sydney is always daunting especially for someone his age, but the Jets’ number 11 is looking forward to the task ahead of him.
“I’m from here (Newcastle) so obviously it was a hard decision but at the end you’ve got to think about what’s right for your football and I think the move to Sydney was right for me.”
“It’s always hard to leave the place you grew up in all your life. It’s going to be difficult but it’s one I’m looking forward to,” he said.
Sydney FC is one of Australia’s biggest clubs. Not only are they two-time A-League champions but they have also been called home by Dwight Yorke, World Cup winner Alessandro Del Piero and current golden boot leader Marc Janko. The Australian youth international is excited about joining the club, but knows that he is going to have to work hard to solidify his position.
“There have been some big players at the club and there still is. It’s a massive club and it’s going to be tough there but I’ve got to work hard and earn my right to stay in that position.”
Newcastle Jets manager Phil Stubbins has deployed Hoole in a number of attacking positions this season, he even made his debut at right-back. He has made his name on the wing and says Arnold plans to utilise him in that position but he says he thinks he can do some damage in the No.10 role as well, something we are yet to see from him in the red and blue.
He joined Newcastle in 2012 after impressive performances for Northern NSW side Broadmeadow Magic caught the eye of then manager Gary van Egmond.
He went on to make his debut in January 2013 in a 1-0 home win against defending champions Brisbane Roar. The Olyroo described that match as his best memory in Newcastle colours, saying it was a great feeling and one he will always remember.
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Before he departs for Sydney FC at season’s end, the local junior says there are still a couple of things he wants to achieve before leaving the club.
“I want to score a goal for my home town club and in terms of the team we want to restore some pride into the last few games and show everyone we can still play football and hopefully we can get some points in the last couple of games.”
Newcastle currently lay tenth on the A-League ladder with three games remaining and face title chasing Melbourne Victory and Sydney FC in consecutive weeks.
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