Carle, who spent two successful years with Newcastle, joined the Sky Blues this week from Crystal Palace with the lure of a significant three-year contract.

The Sydneysiders have already lost several key players this off-season including Clint Bolton, Simon Colosimo, Steve Corica, John Aloisi and Karol Kisel but Culina insists the addition of Carle, who will wear the number 10 shirt, is a major boost for the champions.

‘‘I think the team that finished on top is always the team to beat the following year," Culina told the Newcastle Herald.

"They have lost some significant players but the Carle signing is a huge plus for them and he'll bring an enormous amount to their game."

Carle won the Johnny Warren Medal for the A-League's best player in the 2006/2007 season whilst playing with the Jets.

Culina added: ‘‘There's no doubt he (Carle) has still got that passion and hunger and he'll improve any team he goes to in Australia.

‘‘I think Sydney are very fortunate to be getting a player of his calibre."

The Newcastle boss also revealed the Jets had initiated 'early discussions' in a bid to lure Carle back to the Hunter Valley, but simply couldn't match Sydney FC's advances.

He added: ‘‘What they offered him is pretty good by Australian standards and it's more than probably any other club except Melbourne Victory could afford."