New Melbourne City signing Joshua Kennedy has signalled his intent in helping the under performing club turn their fortunes around and get back to winning ways after he joined up with the squad at training on Tuesday morning.
The Socceroos striker – who is still on the mend from the back problem that forced him out of the 2014 World Cup squad – was officially unveiled as City’s Australian marquee signing after touching down in Melbourne on Monday night.
Speaking at the club’s base at La Trobe University this morning, Kennedy cited being around family and friends as a big part of his move back to Australia after six seasons with Japanese heavyweights Nagoya Grampus.
Kennedy – who last played club football in Australia with Carlton in the National Soccer League in 2000 – was quick to set out his ambitions with his new side.
“I hope to win the Championship, I want to fit in as quickly as possible and start winning games and once we do, in the finals anything can happen,” said a candid Kennedy.
He was also quick to point out that the club’s ambitions also played on his mind when deciding to sign for City stating “the opportunity arose and I think the club is headed into a really exciting direction.”
“I think that this team, this club definitely has the ability to become the biggest in Australia and the best.
“So for me it was really a no brainer that this is the place to come and start my career in Australia.”
“I want to come in and fit into the team as quick as possible, play my part in the team and do my job on the pitch, and hopefully score some goals and set a few up and help the team get back onto winning ways.”
The signing of Wodonga-born Kennedy is a timely boost for City who were deprived the services of star loanee David Villa for an extra six games and have had to rely on a low on confidence David Williams and inexperienced Marc Marino for goals up front.
When asked on whether the way John van ‘t Schip’s side plays suits his style, the former Nurnberg striker believed so.
“Yeah definitely, the way the coach wants to play with the guys out wide and getting a lot of balls in the box is going to be really beneficial for the way I play and hopefully I can slot in there and finish things off.”
Kennedy added that providing his vast knowledge and experience to the club’s youngster would be one of his roles while crediting the overall quality of the squad.
“The team is full of some really talented players. Aaron Mooy has been really good this year and once Robbie Koren gets back onto the pitch he is going to make a big difference – hopefully I can [too].”
Kennedy won’t feature in this week’s derby blockbuster as he is only eligible to begin his A-League career with City as of January 1, with his first match expected to be the club’s trip away to Gosford to face the Central Coast Mariners on January 4.