Egmond Extends as Jets prepare for Reds
By: Mitchell | September 26th, 2008It’s the news all Novocastrians were waiting for: Newcastle Jets coach Gary van Egmond today agreed to extend his contract another three years, keeping ‘Dutchy’ and assistant Mark Jones at the club until the completion of the 2012/2013 season. Since the axing of Nick Theodorakopoulos, Van Egmond and Jones have produced a highly respectable and entertaining brand of football that has seen the Jets claim the clubs first A-league crown. As an adamant Jets supporter, it feels comforting to see that this partnership has a future. Finally there is light at the end of the ‘Jets managment’ tunnel
From great news to ground breaking news, Joel Griffiths is within hours of announcing his future plans with the Jets. A deal, that will see the Jets frontman remain at Newcastle until the end of his playing career, was offered to Joel last night. Along with thousands of Jets supporters and Miron Bleiberg, I will be eagerly awaiting the announcement. Joel has been a godsend, paving the way for our championship season last year. I can only hope that “the One” realises that this town loves him and that when it comes to sport, there is no other city that comes close to Newcastle.
The Jets are awaiting a reply from Griffiths, which is expected to be announced after their Saturday night clash in Adelaide.
And now to that very match. Newcastle Jets travel to Hindmarsh Stadium on Saturday night to take on Adelaide United. The Jets will be high on confidence after they recorded a much needed win against Queensland Roar last Friday. Joel Griffiths once again proved his worth, scoring in the final minutes to bail the Jets out of jail once again. Ever improving Ecuadorian Edmundo Zura will miss the match due to a back injury and will be surely missed. His physical presence against the tired Adelaide backline would have been a valuable asset. Jesper Hakansson returns and will either slip into a ‘screening’ midfield role or an attacking wide player, depending on how Gary wants to use Joel Griffiths.
Adelaide’s midweek performance against the Kashima Antlers proved that we Australians have what it takes to wrestle with other Asian clubs. But the question that remains on everybody’s lips is whether the Reds can recover from their historic victory on Wednesday night. I just cannot see Adelaide’s finest surviving the entire ninety minutes.
Progression would be the word to describe the week the Jets’ have had. If the past eight days is anything to go by, the Jets will grab all three points from underneath Adelaide’s doormat. Adelaide will be knocked off their Asian Champions League high horse with a comfortable Jets victory.
Category: Jets Team News
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