After three successive seasons without qualifying for the A-League finals, can the Newcastle Jets finally turn their fortunes around? That is the question Jets fans will be asking after enduring a tough couple of seasons both on and off the field.
Marquee man Emile Heskey is back for another season and he will receive good support through new signing and fringe Socceroo Nathan Burns in the front third. The Jets have completed one of the most uninterrupted preseasons in the club’s history and along with some quality signings they have maintained the bulk of their squad from last year. But has the experience gained from last season and a period of continuity under Gary Van Egmond steeled the Jets for a much improved season?
Young guns Craig Goodwin, Josh Brilliante and Taggart have all made their senior Socceroos debuts in the off season and will enter the A-League brimming with confidence. The Jets have also bolstered their defensive line with the signing of former Dutch International Kew Jaliens. The experienced centreback will provide much needed stability for a Newcastle outfit who conceded a staggering 45 goals last campaign.
The Jets look a far more balanced side this year and will be well led by captain Ruben Zadkovic and the ever consistent Zenon Caravella in midfield. There is plenty of competition for places amongst the squad with the likes of Taylor Regan, Scott Neville, James Brown, James Virgilli and Andrew Hoole vying for first team spots. The Jets have some of the finest young talent in the A-League and it is only a matter of time until they develop into a formidable lineup under Gary Van Egmond.
Gary Van Egmond’s up-tempo possession based philosophy failed to reap rewards last season and the Jets players could be in for another long season if they can’t adapt. Opposition teams know that if they press the Jets when playing out from the back they are susceptible to cheap turnovers and can punish them on the counterattack.
…an almost uncharacteristic sequence of continuity: no coach sackings just days before the season; no threats of financial insolvency and no mass player exoduses this time around. Another preseason under the tutelage of Gary Van Egmond and some quality additions to the squad means the Jets are primed for a much improved season.
Off the field the Jets have ditched their black and white away strip from last season and adopted an emerald green and cinnamon kit for the upcoming campaign. The kit is a throwback to Newcastle’s former club KB United, the first team to represent the region back in the old NSL in 1978. The signing of Nathan Burns and Kew Jaliens has given Jets fans reason to believe the team will be pushing for a top six berth come the end of the season. Although only on loan from Korean club Incheon United until early January, Burns is reportedly keen to extend his stay in the Hunter to enhance his chances of earning a Socceroos recall.
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