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UPDATE: Carney signs with Sydney FC after Jets release

2nd February, 2016
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Newcastle have agreed to grant David Carney a release from his contract, allowing the playmaker to join rival club Sydney FC.

More than a week of negotiations over the 32-year-old utility finally came to an end on A-League transfer deadline day.

With the Jets having given Carney no guarantee of a new contract at the end of this season, Sydney were keen to get him on board for their upcoming Asian Champions League campaign, talks centred on a player-trade arrangement for one or more Sky Blues players.

>> PRICHARD: Carney negotiations and release a crash landing for the Jets

“It feels great to be coming home,” Carney said.

“Sydney FC is a huge club and we have a great chance of winning silverware this season.

“I spent a fantastic two years here when the A-League started and I had a great relationship with fans who were amazing so I’m really looking forward to coming back.

“It’s an exciting time for the club with the AFC Champions League just around the corner and with the talent we have in the squad I’m confident we can have a successful few months.”

It’s understood one of the main swap options, winger Andrew Hoole, was unable to be persuaded to rejoin his former club the Jets less than a season after he left.

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FFA-owned Newcastle have effectively allowed Carney to leave for free and reunite with Sydney, whom he helped to the inaugural A-League title ten years ago.

Speculation a deal was imminent escalated over the weekend when the former Socceroo was left out of Newcastle’s travelling squad to face Adelaide on Sunday.

He was also a notable absentee from Jets’ training on Tuesday morning.

“Newcastle Jets have determined that retaining Carney for the remainder of his contract is no longer in the club’s best interests, and have agreed to his request for a release,” the Jets said on Tuesday in a statement.

Sydney FC coach Graham Arnold said Carney’s experience will be invaluable over the next few months.

“I’ve worked with David at national team level and he has a lot of ability,” Arnold said.

“He will be a very good addition to our squad coming into this busy period, especially going into the last ten games of the A-League season and heading into our AFC Champions League campaign.

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“He gives us another attacking option, he is a creative player and very good in one on one situations, and I look forward to working with him again.

“He is Sydney born and bred and was a fan favourite during his first spell with the club, and I’m confident he will be a success again.”

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