IN THE same era that Italy’s Roberto Baggio was gracing the fields of Seria A, NSL sides Newcastle Breakers, Canberra Cosmos then Newcastle United sported their own version of the 'divine ponytail' – Andrew Roberts.

Unlike the well travelled Italian however, Roberts was and remains Newcastle through and through, with his sole season in the nation’s capital the only campaign the Novocastrian had outside his Hunter heartland in what was an impressive national league career.

So, with the Jets’ A-League season over and an ACL adventure just around the corner, FourFourTwo caught up with the ex Breakers/United captain to gauge his thoughts on his hometown club, his personal ambitions, as well as suss out what player he’d really like to see join the Newcastle artillery.

FourFourTwo: Andy, after witnessing such a successful season last year, what have your thoughts been on this campaign?
Andrew Roberts (AR): I’m very proud on one side of the coin to see them win the Premiership and get some silverware in the cupboard, but also very disappointed at this year. Obviously it’s been a big fall from grace. The players we’ve lost...Musialik, Bridge...we haven’t really replaced. Injuries and suspensions haven’t helped the Jets this year (and) people are looking after their own careers. The A-League is at a stage now where it’s in the limelight, and being Champions from last year, a lot of players are going to be in that limelight and be approached by other clubs. It’s just the nature of the beast. Gary van Egmond hasn’t had the first eleven, probably the strongest eleven, to choose from week in week out. When the luck's running against you, it really goes against you.

What young players have taken your eye?
I haven’t really gotten to any of the youth games to be honest with you, mainly just the first team games - Tarek Elrich has done well this year.

What are your thoughts on the Asian Champions League?
The ACL is a different stage again. I mean, look what Adelaide United did last year. If they do well there, it can only be good for the profile of Newcastle and the Jets on a bigger stage.

Newcastle’s problems on the field are well documented. What changes need to be made off the field?
It’s been a bit of a transition year, but it’s looking forward. Gary van Egmond has signed a long term contract, he’s not going anywhere. The back room staff are all there. We just need to manage the player movements a little better. With Joel Griffiths, that’s something that Con [Constantine] has to weigh up. Joel Griffiths is Newcastle Jets at the moment really. It is a team game but to lose your marquee player for the next three years would be very, very hard to replace. I don’t care who they get at the club, you can build a team around Joel Griffiths.

We hear a lot of names get bandied about, but what players do you think we should be targeting?
Maybe they should look at John Aloisi, he’s on the outer at Sydney. I just know for a fact he’s not getting on with John Kosmina that well. We can read all the excuses in the paper why he’s not playing, that he’s not fit enough, but that’s rubbish! I think it’s a personal clash or they just don’t see eye to eye. I think he’s signed on for another year or so but if he was to get a release he’d be ideal for the Jets.

Finally, Robbo, do you have any ambition to get back into the system, perhaps as a coach or in a player mentor role?
I retired back in 2003 but football has been my life since the age of four. They know where to find me and I’d definitely stick my hand up. I’m happy to help out in whatever role I can, player manager, perhaps player mentor if I was called upon. Going forward, there might be an opportunity with the ACL. I know all the back room staff there very well. I’d like to look at maybe getting back into it.