By Josh Leeson
Winger Andrew Hoole has rejected a two-year deal with the Newcastle Jets in favour of Sydney FC because he believes it will benefit his football career.
While the 21-year-old is yet to officially sign with the Sky Blues, a two-year deal is expected to be inked within days.
Exit: Andrew Hoole, right, and Diogo Ferreira of the Glory contest the ball during a clash at nib Stadium.Credit: Gettty Images
The Newcastle Herald revealed on Monday that Hoole was poised to join the A-League heavyweights, despite Jets owner and chairman Nathan Tinkler describing him as a priority signing.
Tinkler told The World Game SBS website that Hoole was "a great young prospect and we want to retain our best juniors, starting with him".
Tinkler repeated those comments in The Financial Review on Monday when he said the Jets were keen to re-sign Hoole.
Since making his debut in January 2013 against Brisbane Roar, the former Broadmeadow Magic recruit has made 39 A-League appearances and is arguably the Jets' best local talent.
Both the Jets and Sydney FC tabled similar offers in terms of value and length of time, but the lure of playing under Sky Blues coach Graham Arnold was an added attraction.
Hoole's manager Joel Grenell denied the Sydney FC deal was finalised and said his client would leave Newcastle with a heavy heart.
"Obviously Andrew is a Newcastle boy and it's always a dream of a player to play for their local club as long as they can, but this obviously has come up and it's a very hard one to say no to," Grenell said.
"Andrew has had a fantastic time in the youth team and first-grade team and they've helped develop him to get to this stage where Sydney FC want to sign him, so he's forever in debt and very grateful of the opportunities being presented through [outgoing Jets CEO] Robbie Middleby and the club.
"It's a very hard one for a young boy to leave Newcastle, but sometimes you need to get out of your comfortable zone to grow."
Hoole's departure followed the announcement on Monday morning that home-grown goalkeeper Ben Kennedy had re-signed for a further two years taking him through to the 2016-17 season.
The Thornton lad is the sole survivor from the Jets first season in the A-League and he has overcome a challenge from Mark Birighitti this season to once again become the club's first-choice gloveman.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the Jets ownership and their poor record of one win in 14 games this season, Kennedy said he never considered leaving.