Hoffman scored the first goal of the Branko Culina era at the club in Sunday's 2-1 win against Brisbane Roar.

Speaking today at the launch of the NAB Young Football of the Year Award at Sydney Football Stadium, the player admitted it was hard to keep up with events at the club.

He told au.fourfourtwo.com: "We are undergoing some serious change at the moment, obviously with a new head coach.

"But the players are really excited and I think it's a good thing for Newcastle as the players will learn different things from different head coaches.

"We've already started the Branko era pretty positive. We played quite well against Sydney last week but didn't get the result. We won 2-1 at Brisbane Roar yesterday."

He added: "After last year's real low in the A-League we're looking forward to being in the top four. As a group we believe we can go and win the league this year."

As for outgoing coach Gary van Egmond - who has now switched to the AIS after his proposed move to an FFA Joeys coaching role was axed - Hoffman said there was no resentment over his decision to look elsewhere.

He said: "If I was in Dutchy's (van Egmond) position, it was a good opportunity for him to further his coaching career so I wish him all the best.

"I suppose some of the boys were a bit shocked when Gary decided to leave but saying that, you wouldn't want to hold a teammate back from furthering his career overseas. Gary had a good opportunity (to move to the AIS)."