Impetus’ Ben Gilby hears from Newcastle Jets’ returnee Tessa Tamplin and head coach Ash Wilson along with Laura Hughes who signs up for another season with her hometown club plus the capital city side’s head coach Njegosh Popovich (13/10/22).
Above: Tessa Tamplin’s return to Newcastle Jets is a big boost for Ash Wilson’s side. Artwork: Newcastle Jets.
Newcastle Jets announce on Wednesday that Tessa Tamplin has returned to the club for the coming A-League Women’s season after a spell in Europe.
Tamplin, who can play at fullback or wing climbed through the Emerging Jets ranks to make her A-League debut in 2019 against Perth Glory.
Coach Ash Wilson is happy to have Tamplin back in Newcastle.
“I’m thrilled to be able to welcome Tessa back home to Newcastle and can’t wait to see the impact she has the potential to make on this competition. As a local product that came through the academy, Tessa takes so much pride in representing the Jets, representing her home and community, and her work ethic, as well as attitude, reflects this and what Newcastle is about. We obviously missed Tessa last year, but we were so proud of the steps she was taking to gain valuable experiences.
Her time in Servette and playing Champions League football has seen her grow even more as a player and I’m excited to be able to work with her again. When I’m looking at the physical characteristics I need players to have to enable us to play the way we want to play, Tessa has those in spades. She is fit, fast, and explosive and likes to contribute to attacks which is what we want to see in the brand of football we want to play. I’m sure the fans are going to enjoy seeing her back in gold.”
Tamplin is over the moon to be back in her hometown. “I’m excited to be back playing in my hometown with the Jets. I’ve missed it! Spending time in Switzerland with Servette FC helped me grow both as a player and person and I’m looking to bring everything I’ve learnt into the team and hopefully help in a positive way at the Jets this season under Ash. I can’t wait to be back in the red and blue, or should I say gold now!”
Also on Wednesday, Canberra United unveiled the re-signing of Laura Hughes for the forthcoming Liberty A-League season.
Hughes, who is closing on a half-century of appearances for United, was instrumental in the squad during the 2022 season, starting thirteen matches as an integral part of the midfield department.
“I am excited to be signing for Canberra United once more and can’t wait to get started,” Hughes commented.
“This is my hometown team, and we have a young and exciting squad that is determined to be successful. I love playing for Canberra United in front of the best fans in the league and I am sure that this upcoming season will be one to remember.
“I would like to thank Njegosh (Popovich) and the club for the continued opportunity to be part of the Canberra United story.”
Hughes, who came through the Canberra United Academy and made her debut for United in the 2016/2017 season, has played 44 times for the team in green and netted twice, and has earned herself international honours with Australia at under-17 level.
Ironically, both of her strikes for Canberra United have come in home matches, Hughes scoring goals in successive seasons against the Lady Reds in the 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 seasons.
“Laura is a technical ball-playing midfielder who has a tenacious edge to her game that is needed to be a successful midfielder at the top level,” Canberra United Head Coach Njegosh Popovich said.
“She is a good team performer and is getting better every season. Her dynamism and never give up attitude is a benefit to any team. Laura is a player that has a good understanding of the game.
“I was at the club when she made her debut, and I am looking forward to working with her again this season.”
Canberra United’s 2022/2023 Liberty A-League season begins on Saturday 19 November with a home match against Perth Glory at McKellar Park.
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