The coach believes he is now just three players short of the squad he wants for the defence of the title.

He was not prepared to reveal names but admits that the names are pencilled in on his wanted list.

Van Egmond told au.fourfourtwo.com: "All I can say is that we have earmarked two players for three of the positions we want to fill. If we get them then I'd have to say it would look pretty favourable for us as it stands.

"I think we are in a much better position than at this stage last season and I'm happy with the way things are developing.

"We're very much looking forward to being extremely competitive in the competition once again.

"You have to be smart about your recruitment, have a structure in place and try and give the players as much game time as possible."

The short history of the A-League shows that champions have not fared well in the defence of their crown.

Van Egmond wants to change that. He said: "Hopefully we can learn from history and continue to build on the success we've had.

"We want a situation here where we develop an aura. What I want is for rival teams to think 'Oh Christ it's Newcastle this weekend'. That's what we have to try and build."

The question of whether Ljubo Milicevic will be one of van Egmond's three signings remains an ever-lengthening mystery. Van Egmond said: "No, we still haven't heard from Ljubo."