For a coach who’s just lost two superstar cogs in the Jets’ wheel – Nicky Carle and Paul Okon – Newcastle coach Gary Van Egmond is surprisingly upbeat.
And one reason why is the imminent arrival of Argentine striker Jorge Drovandi, a player Van Egmond describes as an “excitement machine” who could replace the much-loved Nicky Carle in the hearts of Jets fans.
“As soon as Jorge’s sporting visa is sorted out, he’ll be on the next plane,” the Jets coach told au.fourfourtwo.com today. “He’s an excitement machine. Jorge plays more as a left-sided striker rather than Nicky.
“He’s a good dribbler, quick and with a good work ethic which I think is important for players who come to this country. He knows the game quite well and is an old fashioned left winger who takes players on.”
Drovandi, 23, currently plays for Rosario Central in Argentina and is nicknamed “La Bala” which translates as “The Bullet”.
“As for any other signings, I cannot state categorically if they’re coming or not. We have some irons in the fire but I think we’ve had enough speculation on players coming in to last us a year so I don’t want add to that,” added Van Egmond, who’s forging a reputation as one of our best up and coming coaches.
Two players definitely wearing Jets shirts this new season will be journeyman midfielder Noel Spencer (the former Mariner and latterly of Sydney FC) and big defender Adam Griffiths, who returns from three years playing in Europe. Griffiths, 27, signed ironically from Terry Butcher’s Brentford, is a player Van Egmond knows well.
“He brings a physical presence with a size about them which I feel we needed. He’s comfortable on the ball and has a good mentality and could even do a job for us in the middle of the park. Adam’s played in Belgium so he’s played at a good level and I had him when I coached at Northern Spirit a few years ago, so I know exactly what I’m getting.” Griffiths will join his brother Joel in the Newcastle squad.
As for the exits of both Okon – who retired due to the physical demands of training on his body – and Nicky Carle who signed for Turkish super league club Genclerbirligi, Van Egmond acknowledges the loss of the duo both and off the pitch, “but it gives the opportunity for other players to step up.”
Van Egmond adds that he’s still looking for a player to fill the Nicky Carle role. However, Drovandi may fill just fill the void left by the mesmeric Socceroo in the hearts of Jets supporters.
“As soon as Jorge’s sporting visa is sorted out, he’ll be on the next plane,” the Jets coach told au.fourfourtwo.com today. “He’s an excitement machine. Jorge plays more as a left-sided striker rather than Nicky.
“He’s a good dribbler, quick and with a good work ethic which I think is important for players who come to this country. He knows the game quite well and is an old fashioned left winger who takes players on.”
Drovandi, 23, currently plays for Rosario Central in Argentina and is nicknamed “La Bala” which translates as “The Bullet”.
“As for any other signings, I cannot state categorically if they’re coming or not. We have some irons in the fire but I think we’ve had enough speculation on players coming in to last us a year so I don’t want add to that,” added Van Egmond, who’s forging a reputation as one of our best up and coming coaches.
Two players definitely wearing Jets shirts this new season will be journeyman midfielder Noel Spencer (the former Mariner and latterly of Sydney FC) and big defender Adam Griffiths, who returns from three years playing in Europe. Griffiths, 27, signed ironically from Terry Butcher’s Brentford, is a player Van Egmond knows well.
“He brings a physical presence with a size about them which I feel we needed. He’s comfortable on the ball and has a good mentality and could even do a job for us in the middle of the park. Adam’s played in Belgium so he’s played at a good level and I had him when I coached at Northern Spirit a few years ago, so I know exactly what I’m getting.” Griffiths will join his brother Joel in the Newcastle squad.
As for the exits of both Okon – who retired due to the physical demands of training on his body – and Nicky Carle who signed for Turkish super league club Genclerbirligi, Van Egmond acknowledges the loss of the duo both and off the pitch, “but it gives the opportunity for other players to step up.”
Van Egmond adds that he’s still looking for a player to fill the Nicky Carle role. However, Drovandi may fill just fill the void left by the mesmeric Socceroo in the hearts of Jets supporters.
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