Mamone ready for new lease of life with NWS Spirit FC
Former Mount Druitt Rangers defender Jake Mamone has made the switch to Football NSW League One club NWS Spirit FC.
Mamone who has featured on a semi-regular basis at Popendetta Park racking up over 40 appearances at the club in the top division has been brought in to replace Andrew Robertson, a club legend.
Robertson has since moved to Melbourne for work commitments but will be wearing the colours of the Melbourne Knights in Victoria’s top tier NPL competition.
Asked how the move came about and how his settling in, Mamone told Football NSW.
“It actually came via another one of Spirits new signings in Jordan Gomez, who I played with back as a youngster and most recently at Mt Druitt Rangers.
“He advised me that Spirit were looking for another fullback and after a phone call with Perko and a chat to a few of the lads in the team, it was a pretty easy sell from there.
“Adjusting to the new surroundings has been made extremely easy with the way the squad, coaches and backroom staff have welcomed me.
“Pre-season has been very good so far; we did have our hiccups at the start of the year with players being unavailable due to COVID. However, we do have quite a versatile squad with a lot of young players who are really showing that they have what it takes to not just fill in when required but compete for that starting spot.
“One thing that has really stood out to me and shows what the club is all about, is the engagement that each first team player is required to have with a nominated team within the club from our SAP through to our U/18’s.”
Mamone is just one of a few signings to join the Christie Park based club for season 2022.
Joined by Chris Marques who had a previous stint at the club. Richie Darko from Bonnyrigg White Eagles, Jordan Gomez from St George City FA and Jack Burte from Manly United.
Asked about the club’s recruitment for 2022, Spirit head coach and technical director David Perkovic added.
“We have recruited well in the off-season, a mixture of young players who are hungry and also experience.
“Jake Mamone is one of the experienced players we have brought in from Mt Druitt Town Rangers. He has a lot of NPL 1 & 2 experience for a 23-year-old and we are looking forward to his contribution to the team this season
“I’m also looking forward to seeing a young player we have promoted from our 20s is a Corey Kavanagh, he is started as a junior at the club and is hungry for his chance in the first team.”
In terms of what the squad is aiming for this season, we return to Mamone who added.
“I’m not really one to touch on personal goals too much. Although, if I was to pick one, I would definitely like to repay the early faith that the club & coaches have put into me and hopefully earn promotion into NPL1 for next season.
“I am expecting the league to be very competitive as it is year in year out. When you combine the disappointment of having the league cancelled over the past two seasons, with the prospect of being promoted into the top tier, I think it will allow the competition to reach new heights & showcase the large quantity of talent the FNSW League One Men’s has to offer.”
NWS Spirit FC kick off their 2022 season with a mouth-watering fixture against Western Sydney Wanderers, March 12th.
By Football NSW League One Chief Reporter Justin Smith
