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| Jets players Brockie (left) and Calvano. Credit: Newcastle Jets |
Players went from fear of not being paid under the Constantine regime to being one of the richest clubs in the competition with Tinkler at the helm. Local fans also benefited from the new ownership, with the 34 year old billionaire slashing ticket prices and making the team more accessible.
However Tinkler’s takeover of the club still had its detractors when it was announced Newcastle would ditch its unique gold playing strip to adopt the red and blue colours of the local rugby league team and Tinkler’s most recent purchase the Newcastle Knights. Those questioning Tinkler’s motives quickly changed their tune following an early season signing spree that saw the club bag four major additions that included Socceroo and former PSV Eindhoven player Jason Culina as well as big Brazilian defender Tiago Calvano from Germany’s Bundesliga.
While much was known about Culina’s ability through his starring performances for the national team in two World Cup campaigns, not much was known about Calvano. Perhaps surprisingly, hopes are high that the stylish defender can make his mark.
With fans still scarred by the failures of previous international signings under the Constantine regime - the names Mario Jardel, Edmundo Zura and Jorge Drovandi remind Jets’ fans of the frustration of the club's most underwhelming signings in their short seven year history - there is an understanding that recruitment processes at the club have changed.
Player scouting has become more than watching a video highlights package of a player's best moments. Coach Branko Culina set out his scouts determined to find players that would suit his stylish brand of football, yet ironically it was the outgoing Ljubo Milicevic who helped the club find his replacement in Calvano. The controversial former Jets defender spoke glowingly of his old teammate from Young Boys in Switzerland and Tinkler’s Hunter Sports Group moved quickly to secure the Brazilian's signature. It was one of Newcastle’s biggest gambles this preseason but one that has already payed off.
It has been thirteen weeks since Calvano first arrived in Newcastle and the 6’4 defender believes he is finally starting to feel at home both on and off the pitch.
“I am very happy in Newcastle, my family and I live near Merewether beach and it is such a beautiful place to call home,” Calvano said.
“I have been getting along really well with my teammates, they try to help me and I do my best to help them; we are working really well at the moment.”
Moving countries to join a new club is not a new experience for Calvano with the Brazilian having relocated at least five times in his career including major moves from the warm temperatures of Brazil to the cold winters of Switzerland and Germany.
This time however he knew what he was getting into courtesy of some kind words from Milicevic.
“Ljubo is a very good friend of mine and told me many great things about Newcastle and the A-League
“Football can be like that, players move clubs regularly and you just have to adapt quickly and put in your best performance.”
Calvano had all the right things to say when asked about his new coach in Branko Culina and believes his manager’s style of football will suit him to a tee.
“Branko is a very good coach, he listens to his players and gives us a bit of a say,”
“We are looking to play a very nice style of football where we move the ball out from the back; that’s how I think football should be played.”
The central defender also commented on the unusual father and son combination of Branko and Jason Culina, saying how impressed he was at their commitment to the cause.
“Admittedly it is not a normal situation in professional football, it is a bit more commonplace in youth teams but after that not so much,” said Calvano.
“They are very professional when they are at the club, it is like they forget they are father and son; they are both very committed to their roles and making sure we do well.”
With strong competition for starting roles after an undefeated preseason, Calvano was confident the he had done enough for a starting berth come week one of the season, but was adamant that the side was strong enough to compete with any team in the competition.
“Every player has been working hard all pre-season to give Branko a reason to pick them, if you don’t give it your all you can fall behind and it takes twice as long to get back into the managers plans.
“Although there have been some big signings at other clubs like Harry Kewell and Brett Emerton, you have to remember that football is played by 11 men and not just one; if we play to our best and give it everything there is no reason why we can’t win each match.”
Calvano’s belief that his new club has what it takes to challenge for the title is shared by new Jets CEO and former player Robbie Middleby. Middleby, like Calvano, are the face of Tinkler’s new regime and has equally high hopes following what has been a successful few months for the club.
“The squad has been sensational so far in the pre-season,” Middleby said.
“We have missed the experience of Kasey Wherman and Jason Culina who are both recovering from injuries, but the squad has bonded really well and have impressed with their desire at both training and in matches.”
While Middleby agrees the club has made some poor international signings in the past, he is extremely positive with what Calvano has shown so far.
“With visa players it can be a bit of a gamble, however this time we put a lot of research into getting the right guy and Tiago [Calvano] fits the bill.
“Tiago is the sort of the player the team needs and his skills really compliment the players already in the squad; he is also a great guy off the field and loves getting involved in the community.“
With less than three weeks to go until the Hyundai A-League season kicks off, the Newcastle Jets will be hoping their productive yet very long preseason has them in good stead for a successful year. With a new owner who is devoted to sporting success and engaging the community the pieces are in place for a possible repeat of the Jets 2008 success.
As one of Newcastle highest profile signings the pressure will be on Calvano to perform. However the big Brazilian's commitment to the cause has him set to prove all the doubters wrong and go down as one of the Jets best ever signings. Jets CEO Robbie Middleby has the final say on Calvano.
“He works hard on the pitch, he works hard off the pitch and he gets the fans excited to watch us play - what more could you ask for.”