Novocastrian youngster Zeke Gentle is “living the dream” with the Newcastle Jets.
And, even though you won’t see his name in the A-League Men’s (ALM) squad for this weekend’s double-header at McDonald Jones Stadium, he’ll be working just as hard as any player, male or female, on the ground against the Western Sydney Wanderers.
In fact, he will do his utmost to give both local sides every chance of success in their first home matches of the season.
Gentle’s one of the organisation’s behind the scenes heroes – along with John Kobiela (head of high performance and sports science), Brandon Lowe (physiotherapist), Andrew Pawiak (sports scientist) and Caleb Wickens (analyst) – in his role as kit manager.
“Yeah, I’d probably say I was living the dream,” he said.
“Growing up, I was always a Newcastle supporter, as are my parents.
“So, I guess it runs in the family a little bit.
“I always wanted to grow up and play for the Jets.
“However, I sort of knew I wasn’t good enough to be a player, so I settled for the next best thing… working in sport.
“I just kind of found that kit design and jerseys were probably something I was alright at.
“Obviously, I have ambitions to go further than that.
“But, for now, I’m just happy being a part of a club I love.”
A former Newcastle ball boy alongside Zac Bowling, who is now one of the Jets’ ALM goalkeepers, Gentle admitted he’s honoured to be employed by the A-League club.
“For me, it’s a local thing,” he said.
“The Jets represent Newcastle in a national competition… and that means something.
“I’ve been here full-time for more than a season.
“However, before that I was a ball boy back in the day and I have helped every now and then for a few years, too.
“Anyone who’s a Newcastle supporter knows that there’ve been some hard times and, definitely, other clubs have enjoyed glory days.
“Clearly, we won the premiership in 2008 but we’ve struggled ever since then.
“However, if you’re a diehard fan, you stick by your club right until the end.
“So, I’m just thrilled to be a part of the journey.”
And, if you think being a kit manager is simple, you might want to reassess your opinion.
It takes hours upon hours to prepare everything… and that doesn’t include game days.
“When we play at home, I try and get most of my stuff done the day before,” Gentle said.
“It might surprise people, setting up takes a very long time.
“I put some music on and go at an easy pace, because otherwise I’ll miss something.
“Every single player is very different and particular; they all have their own things that they like.
“When I started, I think I knew everyone’s number instead of their actual name,” he added with a laugh.
“That’s how I kind of got my head around things and what people liked.
“Every player has different grip socks or socks that they cut with their sock sleeves.
It’s really important that female football supporters and male football supporters just become football supporters.
Zeke Gentle
“Some like skins, while others don’t.
“Also, every player receives two jerseys, as well as a warm-up shirt.
“Then, there’s setting up the hydration stations etc.
“So, pretty much anything you see in the change room, that’s my job.
“For away matches, I’ll get there at least three hours before the bus arrives… about five hours before kick-off.
“At home, it’s about an hour before everyone else because everything else is done.
“If I have a bit of spare time, I’ll assist another department.”
But, importantly, Gentle’s aware his efforts are appreciated among the playing group.
All of them turned up for his 21st, much to his delight.
“It was a last-minute invite, however every single one of them rocked up,” he told the Newcastle Weekly.
“I guess that’s what happens when you’re in a role like this.
“Even though you don’t get thanked every day, you know they’re grateful for what you do.
“And, then, in the small moments [like my 21st] they’re like family.
“I guess we have to be.
“Because I see them more than I see my actual family.
“They’re all great guys, so it’s important that we’re very close.”
With new coaches on board in 2023/24, in Rob Stanton (ALM) and Gary van Egmond (ALW), Gentle is optimistic about the Jets future.
And, he’s excited by what lays ahead.
“I think the culture has definitely shifted into a positive way,” the former Lambton High School student said.
“There’s a closeness throughout the club.
“It’s not just about being good players on the pitch, but also good blokes off it.
“I believe every player and staff member is valued here at the moment.
“To be honest, being a club in Newcastle, we don’t have the resources of our rivals.
“However, we’ve got the best culture.
“Rob [Stanton] drives that message every single day.”
Jets officials are hoping for a bumper crowd on Sunday 5 November, with the ALM and ALW taking centre stage at McDonald Jones Stadium.
Gentle feels the players deserve it, too.
“I’m really looking forward to this weekend,” he said.
“I would love to see the men and women knock over the Wanderers.
“It’d be great for the club to pick up six competition points.
“They’ll both be tough games… Western Sydney is strong in each division.
“But, Newcastle has much to play for, too.
“The ALM is hoping to snare its first win while the ALW will be keen to win for Cass Davis, who’s set to break a personal record.
“Hosting a double-header will also add to the atmosphere.
“I actually think they’re the way forward.
“Off the back of the FIFA World Cup, the women’s game is growing more than ever.
“I’ve got a sister, who’s a much better player than me, so I hope to see her in Jets’ colours one day.
“However, it’s really important that female football supporters and male football supporters just become football supporters.
“So, I believe double-headers will help drive that.
“Fingers crossed… the fans stick around for the women’s match after they watch the men.”
Newcastle Jets v Western Sydney Wanderers
(Sunday 5 November, McDonald Jones Stadium)
- 3pm: ALM – Newcastle Jets v Western Sydney Wanderers
- 5.45pm: ALW – Newcastle Jets v Western Sydney Wanderers
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- REAL NRL: Humble Lamb delighted with ‘special’ season
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