The Jets commenced pre-season on Monday, with 21 players already signed for the 2016/17 season and the majority in attendance.

The former Melbourne Victory and Wellington Phoenix coach said he’s never been more advanced with recruitment and planning than this season.

Merrick is delighted with the experience the club has added this off-season, with Nikolai Topor-Stanley, Daniel Georgievski, Roy O’Donovan and Glen Moss among those to join, creating the nucleus of a side who can make the finals.

The Scotsman is still keen to add two players, with one clearly in the mould of free agent Nathan Burns, who won the Johnny Warren medal under Merrick at Wellington.

“All in all, we’ve added quality in all areas but I still think we need another attacking midfielder,” Merrick said.

“Every time I read the newspaper there’s speculation about us singing another player at Newcastle Jets.

“It’d be ideal if we get an experienced player that can break forward, a bit of pace about them, who can come off in midfield.

“The other one will be a Chinese player, that’s the business model and I’m content with that.”

Dan Georgievski & Roy O'Donovan were two new faces at Jets training on Monday

Merrick confirmed veteran defender Nigel Boogaard will remain captain despite the addition of experienced players like Topor-Stanley.

He also insisted the cancellation of friendly against Chilean side Audax Italiano would have no impact on the club’s pre-season.

“It doesn’t hinder us in any way,” he said.

“We’ll be looking to play three or four games against A-League opposition. We’re looking to do well in the FFA Cup.”

The Jets stretch it up

Merrick said the focus of the first few months of pre-season would be structure and intensity, while he’ll also assess his squad.

“I need to see how we train, develop and grow over the next month to see which players are coachable, which will fit in and which need to do more work to win a starting spot,” he said.

However, Merrick is confident the Jets can end their finals drought and make the top six in 2017/18.

“We should set our expectations high and put pressure on ourselves to be a finals team this year with no excuses,” Merrick said.

“Once you get in the finals, you never know what’s going to happen.”