As an avid Newcastle Jets supporter in the A-League, I have been quite disappointed in the start to our season.
I was looking forward to a new year after finishing eighth overall last season, hoping we could get up the ladder and prove that we are contenders for the cup.
Unfortunately in the first four rounds it has been lacklustre.
With a 2-0 loss to Sydney FC in the season opener followed by three draws to Perth Glory, Wellington Phoenix and the Central Coast Mariners. It’s a decidedly different start compared to last year’s efforts of one loss and three straight wins, but I’m optimistic this season and I think we can turn some heads.
After watching the games this season, I am hopeful that the Jets will get a few wins and also be in contention for the cup.
With a very similar team to last year the jets have gelled well and are playing as a team better than ever.
Last year we had a good attacking game and which helped win a few matches, however this year it seems more even.
In attack we are more than capable of scoring goals which was evident against the Mariners.
We are also capable of defending, evident in our matches against Phoenix and Glory (both 0-0 draws).
However our main issue is constructive play considering that we also conceded two goals against the Mariners after we were 2-0 ahead after 55 minutes.
The Jets struggled to attack once we were put on the back foot with most of our attacking plays falling apart.
It’s pretty obvious that we are capable of scoring; we just need to create the chances.
Our next game is on the ninth of November and we play Adelaide who are currently one point ahead of us on the ladder.
If we can get a win and the Mariners lose we will move up to equal fifth on six points.
It’s not necessarily a hard task to beat Adelaide since they have had one win, one draw and two losses.
Even with the reintroduction of Emile Heskey it will still be a hard fought game nevertheless.
It is gearing up to be a good game, and since it is still uncertain which team will take the field on the ninth, I suggest a natural line-up for the Jets in a 4-3-3 formation with the following players:
GK- Kennedy
Full Backs- Neville, Mitchell, Gallaway, Regan
Mid Field – Kantarovski, Zadkovich, Virgili
Fwd – Taggart, Heskey, Bridges
Most of these players are seasoned professionals with a lot of games under their respective belts, however I believe the return of Emile Heskey against Adelaide will boost the Jets and help us claim our first victory for the season.
As long as we can play some constructive football and hold possession of the ball, we will do well this season.
I am hoping for a top four finish this year, I think we can do it with the players we have and my faith in Van Egmond is infinite.
However as always, all will become obvious in the coming months.
fadida
Guest
fadida
Guest
Bloody strange line-up mate Jets were pretty good last week. GVE has stumbled across what was almost his best lineup. Mobile, quick and technically decent. Shame he threw the game away with his formation change and failure to introduce Goodwin for Burns late on. Hoole was outstanding in the front 3 last week. No Burns? No Birigetti? Mitchell? Virgilli in a 3 man midfield?? No Jaliens or Chapman??? Sure you haven't got last years squad? Play Bridges and you can't press Agree with a previous comment about lack of movement in the front 3rd. Burns stays wide and provides no combination with Taggart. Hoole was great at coming in to link. None of the midfield get close enough to support Taggart Goodwin has got to play at left back. Galloway offers nothing going forward which limits options in the final 3rd. Birigetti Neville, Jaliens, Chapman, Goodwin Zad, Kanta, Brillante (with licence to get beyond Taggart) Hoole, Taggart/Heskey, Burns I'd only play Heskey if the style of play v CCM stays the same
crashy
Guest
Just out of interest- do newcastle fans know much of what the Tink is up to these days? Is his funding all settled for the year ahead etc?
Griffo
Roar Guru
Interesting line up you have... I expect the lineup to remain relatively unchanged from the last two rounds. Something appears to be working more than the Sydney and Perth games since the Wellington game. With GvE a natural tinkerer I expect if we loose well in Adelaide that things will change again. One thing I've noticed is that we create better chances through the middle, when we actually try something vertically rather than always looking to the flanks. I think mixing it up against Adelaide will put more pressure in them. Another is that some of the front players are getting themselves into a spot of bother by going alone more than looking for a team mate. Sometimes though that is because there are some ball watchers in attack, but Hoole and Burns ,while both playing well, might look even better by looking up. A bit more. I think Kantarovski will be in and sticking to Cirio as he has done to Hernandez and Flores the previous two weeks, but ultimately lineup will come down to how defensively minded GvE will be to at least get a valuable point away. Birighitti Galloway Chapman Jaliens Neville Kantarovski Brilliante Hoole Zadkovich Burns Heskey Subs Kennedy, Taggart, Bridges, Virgilli We need to keep the pressure on Adelaide, especially beyond the 70th minute as they tire. If we pressure early and get a goal, don't stop and put in a low block otherwise we will loose momentum too early...part of the problem against the Mariners.
Franko
Guest
No Nathan Burns in the first XI??? I'd like to see him back on the Hindmarsh turf he once dominated. Zenon however...
Franko
Guest
I know, four games is not a lot. I just worry at the totalitarian nature of the system. Must we concentrate 100% on the way we play and 0% on the result. I’d be equally worried if it were 100% focus on the result and 0% on the way we played. 80-20 split? I remember a few years ago, West Brom played some beautiful stuff under Tony Mowbray and how did that turn out? I don’t want to be West Brom! Am hoping we can get play well *and get a win.
Ben of Phnom Penh
Roar Guru
Only 4 games Franko! Anyway I think with the away form Adelaide showed against Western Sydney & Mariners that they will be very tough to get over at Hindmarsh. I'm tipping the Reds with a dominant display for this one.
Brett Osmond
Roar Rookie
Yeah see your point Michael, but Optimism isn’t a curse, i suppose we will find out sooner rather than later, but i reckon having Heskie back will turn the table a bit; he has always been a good morale booster.
Michael
Guest
Jets are not playing quick enough or clever enough in the front two thirds at the moment. It's as simple as that. Movement off the ball isn't good enough, and both the structure, and play in the midfield is breaking down far too easily. GVE might be a great AIS coach, a clever fella and a good guy but I just can't see him getting the Jets up the table far enough this season.
Franko
Guest
Pft, I pity teams that play us to 'win'. What is 'winning' anyway? Scoring more goals than the other team? We are Adelaide United, we are only interested in how many passes we can string together, 'winning' matches (by your convention of what winning is) will come next year. ...yes I am getting impatient.
Brett Osmond
Roar Rookie
Absolutely Matthew, I would have to agree with you there, it would be great to get a win but im not holding my breath. However i must say after playing under GVE in my early years as a rep player, I understand his tactics, I don't believe he will 'fall on his sword'. Actually I think it will take him getting fired before, he gives up. I played for GVE for 5 years and 3 consecutive years we won the final, so I have experienced first hand what he can do, ultimately; he has the time to make a difference and to create his team and as anyone else who has played for good managers/coaches will tell you. You just need to stick with them until they show you what they can do. As far as his youth work, I can’t agree more we have a lot of talent here in Newcastle and its unfortunate that so few of them have been given the chance from previous managers. The member numbers are fantastic, being one myself and a proud Novocastrian I hope for my team and my city we do well this year.... Go the Jets: D
Matthew Skellett
Guest
Well I wish you good luck against AU Brett but Im tipping the Reds myself -the two goals against CCM were fortuitous rather than through good planned structured play.Also I find it curious that you have 'infinite'faith in GVE when almost everyone else in Newcastle is waiting for him to fall on his sword-the one good thing he HAS done is bring in youth players who are starting to make a real contribution and hey the club has reached 10,000 members again; in a tough town like Newcastle thats got to be something to celebrate :-)