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Newcastle Jets
Semester Summary
Oh where to start with the Jets? This report card was planned to be written before the team played Melbourne Heart on the weekend and then, well, that happened. A lot can change in football in a matter of days and that proved to be the case with the Jets meekly succumbing to the last-placed Heart on Friday night. The result culminated with the sacking of under-fire boss Gary van Egmond on Monday morning with youth team coach Clayton Zane being installed as the interim manager for the rest of the season. The Jets have been terribly inconsistent in the past three seasons under van Egmond and that trend was continuing this season before Jets management decided enough was enough. To be fair, the Jets have had some excellent results this year, defeating runaway leaders Brisbane Roar twice and Melbourne Victory, but have been unable to get results consistently. An injury to marquee man Emile Heskey before the season started had disrupted their attacking third and the departure of the in-form winger Nathan Burns has not helped their cause. The Jets have been far more sound defensively this term but a lack of cutting edge in the final third has seen them fail to bury teams when they been on top. A series of poor results against teams below them has seen them slip from third before Christmas down to seventh. Four losses in their past five matches does not auger well for the second half of the season.
Areas of Excellence
Defence. The Jets let in a whopping 45 goals last campaign but so far this year have conceded just 17 goals in 15 matches. The introduction of former Dutch international defender Kew Jaliens has been instrumental in the improved defensive structure and his experience and composure on the ball has given the team a strong platform at the back. Young Socceroo striker has been a standout for the Jets scoring six goals for the campaign including a magnificent hat-trick against Melbourne Heart in round seven. On-loan winger Nathan Burns was instrumental for the Jets in his 12 matches for the club with his speed and ability to beat players a constant menace for opposition teams. Young winger Andrew Hoole has been a real find for the Jets with his sheer speed and ability to run directly at players giving the team a real positive outlet down the right hand side.
Areas in need of improvement
The Jets players' overall confidence has been low in recent weeks and that may well be down to the pressure which Gary van Egmond has been under. New boss Clayton Zane has indicated there will be some changes implemented and he plans to simplify the Jets game plan. Highly rated youngsters Craig Goodwin and James Virgili have hardly had a look in this year and perhaps a change of coach can bring a change in fortunes for the two. Popular English striker Michael Bridges has been appointed in a playing/assistant coach role and his influence could help instill some much needed positivity around the club. The Jets have dominated a number of matches this year but have been guilty of wasting guilt-edge opportunities, something which needs to be rectified if they want to turn their season around. The return of prodigious striker Joel Griffiths to the club will help in that department but he can’t be expected to shoulder all the responsibility at 34 years of age. Too many players have been guilty of drifting in and out of matches for the Jets and Zane must address this for the team to move forward.
Top Students
Nathan Burns was a revelation for the club in his brief loan spell, scoring two goals and creating havoc for A-League defences. The former Socceroo was a hugely popular figure around the club and they were extremely disappointed they were unable to extend his stay. His quality with ball at feet was a joy to watch and he seemingly beat players at will, something the Jets have lacked since his departure. Special mention to Adam Taggart who has scored six goals for the Jets this campaign and has started to develop into a deadly marksman up front. His absence with the under-22 Australian team has hurt the Jets and it is no coincidence that their form has dropped away without the blonde-haired striker. Kew Jaliens has also been a real find for the Jets with the former Dutch international solidifying a previously leaky defence. His experience is evident on the field with his leadership and calmness on the ball vital for a young Jets outfit.
Class Clowns
Former Heart fullback/winger Craig Goodwin has had a torrid time this campaign after interest from English Premier League clubs in the preseason. Clearly down on confidence, Goodwin has struggled to nail down a spot in the Jets lineup and his trademark beating of players has been non-existent. James Brown has also struggled this campaign after overcoming his ankle injuries from last season. The highly-rated former Gold Coast star has struggled since his arrival at the Jets last season and fans have grown discontent with his lack of output. He is clearly a talent but needs to find his feet or he could end up on the scrapheap.
Grade
The grad was going to be a C before the Heart game but in light of this week’s developments, a D is more appropriate. Inconsistent form, poor finishing and the sacking of former championship-winning coach Gary van Egmond does not bode well. The loss to the Heart could be the straw to break the camel's back.
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It's tough to see exactly what will happen for the Jets; the change of coach could have a positive effect and restore some confidence to the team. However, the inconsistency which they have shown so far this season may see their season peter out without a whimper.