Zadkovich backs Sydney FC despite taunt

The Newcastle Jets midfielder took delight in cavorting in front of the Cove, charging over to Sydney’s fanatical supporter group behind the goal following his strike in the 5-2 romp and turning around to point his thumbs at the name on the back of his shirt.

His provocative celebration earned him boos for the rest of the game and several plastic bottles were hurled in his direction by miffed Sydney followers.

But, according to Zadkovich, it was all tongue-in-cheek and that with seven games remaining seventh-placed Sydney, which lost its place in the top six to the revitalised Jets, is not among the A-League’s dead men walking.

“Like us they have a lot of talent in their team, players I have played with like Mark Bridge, who doesn’t get the credit he deserves.

“Then there’s Nicky Carle. I know their form isn’t great right now but it really wouldn’t surprise me to see them make a charge.

“They need to play better than they are. Perhaps announcing that there is going to be a change of manager hasn’t helped.

“I know their players will all say that the fact Vitezslav Lavicka is going doesn’t affect them but the reality is that that subconsciously it can affect them.

“And maybe that was evident against us. Time will tell but I believe they can turn their season around.”

Asked if he would like to see Sydney FC make the top six, a nonchalant Zadkovich responded: “I really couldn’t care less. It’s all about Newcastle for me now. I love it up here and that’s all I’m concerned about.”

The ex-Derby County man, whose high-energy hustle and bustle game is just what coach Gary van Egmond ordered, has no regrets over his post-goal antics.

“Running over to the Cove was all about rubbing some salt in Sydney’s wounds," he added.

“There are no hard feelings though towards Sydney and I wish them the best for the rest of the season and it’s good to see their fans getting behind them.

“It was just a really great feeling scoring against my old team more than anything. It was my first goal of the season and I was delighted. I actually enjoyed getting booed every time I touched the ball after that; it gave me a nice feeling of satisfaction.

“It’s all fun and games and when you give it to the crowd like I did, you have to expect something back.

“I had my brother Luke there and the last time I scored was down in Melbourne last year and he was there for that also, so he must be my lucky charm.”

Successive away wins against Brisbane Roar and now Sydney have the Jets flying and Zadkovich believes his side is in the top six to stay, with Melbourne Heart – which has a two-point buffer on the Jets – the visitor to Ausgrid Stadium on Saturday.

“We’re looking good,” he said. “Having our captain Jobe Wheelhouse back has been huge for us.

"He leads from the front and is our inspiration. He’s already scored a couple and the confidence is running high right now.

“We’re all committed to Gary van Egmond’s style of play … it’s starting to work for us now and personally it suits my game to a tee.

“I’ve had no difficulty adjusting and I love my football right now.

“We’re starting to play well at the right end of the season … the next seven games opens a big opportunity to us. We certainly have the talent to go all the way. There is nobody in the competition we fear.

“We can beat anybody on our day and we are definitely capable of winning the title.

“The Heart game is a huge one for us … we leap-frogged Sydney and now we can do the same to them.”