EXCLUSIVE: Newcastle Jets boss Gary van Egmond aims to return from his European mission with senior additions but a fresh approach to generating home-grown talent.
The EnergyAustralia Stadium boss is currently in Italy as he bids to add to the champions’ depleted squad ahead of their A-League title defence.
He has confirmed that 30-year old Frosinone midfielder Mattia Biso in the Serie B is one target but not for the first time, it will depend on the player’s wage demands.
But while first team recruitment is part of the European trip, van Egmond is just as keen to seek fresh ideas for the club’s youth policy.
To that end, the coach will meet up with a former playing colleague from his days in Holland (van Egmond played for Roda JC) who is now part of the Ajax set up.
He told au.fourfourtwo.com: “The youth structure is something that I feel very strongly about, obviously as my coaching background includes a lot of work in that area.
“We are looking to build on our connections with the New South Wales Institute of Sport in terms of working with young players and hopefully some of those will form part of our youth team.”
The Jets are able to help hone the skills of a number of 14 year-olds but van Egmond’s future vision is to help players develop their talent from a younger age – as is often the case on the continent.
He said: “I am hoping to meet up with a friend at Ajax and also look at the youth structure at the Italian clubs we spend time at (including AS Roma and Lazio). In many cases they are working with kids from nine, 10, 11 and 12 and that’s something I’m very keen to see happen with us.”
That’s for the future though. The most pressing task for van Egmond is finding quality players to fill the spots vacated by the likes of Mark Bridge, Stuart Musialik, Andrew Durante and Troy Hearfield.
Shaun Ontong has been secured from Adelaide United with striker Jason Naidovski also on board but there is still plenty of room for manoeuvre.
A marquee spot remains to be filled with Joel Griffiths a possibility for that role. It’s something van Egmond is likely to discuss with the striker when he pays him a visit on his way back from Europe. The Jets begin their pre-season training program on May 12.
He has confirmed that 30-year old Frosinone midfielder Mattia Biso in the Serie B is one target but not for the first time, it will depend on the player’s wage demands.
But while first team recruitment is part of the European trip, van Egmond is just as keen to seek fresh ideas for the club’s youth policy.
To that end, the coach will meet up with a former playing colleague from his days in Holland (van Egmond played for Roda JC) who is now part of the Ajax set up.
He told au.fourfourtwo.com: “The youth structure is something that I feel very strongly about, obviously as my coaching background includes a lot of work in that area.
“We are looking to build on our connections with the New South Wales Institute of Sport in terms of working with young players and hopefully some of those will form part of our youth team.”
The Jets are able to help hone the skills of a number of 14 year-olds but van Egmond’s future vision is to help players develop their talent from a younger age – as is often the case on the continent.
He said: “I am hoping to meet up with a friend at Ajax and also look at the youth structure at the Italian clubs we spend time at (including AS Roma and Lazio). In many cases they are working with kids from nine, 10, 11 and 12 and that’s something I’m very keen to see happen with us.”
That’s for the future though. The most pressing task for van Egmond is finding quality players to fill the spots vacated by the likes of Mark Bridge, Stuart Musialik, Andrew Durante and Troy Hearfield.
Shaun Ontong has been secured from Adelaide United with striker Jason Naidovski also on board but there is still plenty of room for manoeuvre.
A marquee spot remains to be filled with Joel Griffiths a possibility for that role. It’s something van Egmond is likely to discuss with the striker when he pays him a visit on his way back from Europe. The Jets begin their pre-season training program on May 12.
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