Newcastle Jets boss Shane Mattiske is predicting big things for the beleaguered A-League club moving forward.
After another season to forget, the Hunter-based organisation has wasted no time implementing a number of changes, from coaching personnel to playing staff, in its quest to achieve great results on and off the paddock.
The Jets narrowly avoided the wooden spoon in 2020-21, finishing 11th on the ladder with 21 points from five wins and six draws.
Popular coach Craig Deans stepped down, while experienced stalwart Nikolai Topor-Stanley and club legend Joel Griffiths parted ways with Newcastle, opening the door for Arthur Papas to take the reins.
The exodus continues with the retirement of highly-respected Nigel Boogaard, defensive quartet Matt Millar, James Donachie, Connor O’Toole and Johnny Koutroumbis, striker Roy O’Donovan and Ramy Najjarine.
However, it’s not all doom and gloom.
The Jets have signed experienced central defenders Matthew Jurman and Jordan Elsey, Perth Glory duo Riley Warland and Dane Ingham, Mohamed Al-Taay (Western Sydney Wanderers), Olyroo Cameron Devlin (Wellington Phoenix) and Georgian international Beka Mikeltadze to bolster their stocks.
Mattiske said Newcastle was entering an important new phase.
“We’re making some strong progress against our strategic plans,” the executive chairman explained.
“It’s been great to welcome Arthur [Papas] as our manager for the A-League team and to confirm the extension of Ash Wilson as our W-League mentor.
“We’ve greeted a host of new and experienced faces into our football structure, complimenting the existing staff, too.
“The next month will see several significant changes off-field as well.
“We are well-advanced on a major sponsor for the A-League and W-League teams; we’re preparing for modifications in the way we present the club; and developing a new playing kit for 2021/22.
“There’ll be further investment in expanding our Community Clinic programs throughout the region.”
In establishing a robust platform for success, Mattiske said the Jets would continue to assemble a talented playing roster.
“Our football team has gone through a massive change in preparation for the coming season and this has come through a lot of hard work,” he stated.
“To this end, I’d like to acknowledge the efforts Joel [Griffiths] made in assisting to prepare the club for 2020-21 and his commitment over many years to the same.
“We wish him every success in the next stage of his career.
“He leaves the Jets as a well-respected member of our staff and he will always be a club legend.
“We’re working to build a strong administration, adding former NSW Cricket senior executive Ivan Spyrdz in the position of chief commercial and marketing officer.
“Earlier this month, Craig [Deans] accepted the role of general manager of football.
“So, I believe it is truly an exciting period for the Newcastle Jets and a wonderful time to be a member or supporter.
“I thank everyone for their commitment to, and support of, this great organisation.
“We are making a lot of progress and I look forward to standing alongside you as we enjoy the 2021-22 season.”
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