Newcastle have signed Socceroo David Carney for the remainder of the A-League season.
Carney has been without a club since being released in November from MLS side New York Red Bulls, where he played alongside Socceroo star Tim Cahill.
Carney, who was part of Australia’s 2010 World Cup campaign, earned the last of his 48 caps after being recently recalled to the Socceroos by sacked boss Holger Osieck for October’s 6-0 loss to France and 3-0 win over Canada.
Having recently stated his desire to play in back-to-back World Cups, Carney’s deal with the Jets continues the trend of overseas-based players returning to Australia in the hope of snaring a ticket to Brazil.
And while he was omitted in Ange Postecoglou’s first squad in November, he will now have the remainder of the season to impress under the Socceroos coach’s nose.
The versatile 30-year-old was one of the early stars of the A-League, impressing in his time with Sydney FC before heading to Europe, where he had spells in England, Holland, Spain and Uzbekistan.
Carney said he was excited to be playing again and was intent of helping the ninth-placed Jets in their late finals charge.
“I’ve got a lot of hunger to do well for this club and my main focus is to work hard and hopefully make a positive impact,” Carney said.
“I’ve had a little bit of a break since the MLS playoffs finished and now I’m ready to get back into it, help the team finish the season strongly and hopefully qualify for the finals.”
Newcastle’s coach Clayton Zane said the signing of Carney was a fantastic addition to Jets’ squad.
“He’s played at the highest level for club and country and he’ll bring a wealth of experience and leadership to the team,” he said.
“You’re always looking for natural lefties and David’s a versatile footballer who can play anywhere down the left flank, which is great for the balance of our squad.”
Carney will commence training with his Newcastle teammates on Tuesday and could make his debut in the side’s home clash against wellington next Sunday.
The signing comes after a morale-boosting 2-2 draw against high-flying Western Sydney on Saturday night.
Adam Taggart snatched the leveller at the death in a frenetic finish to the match with Joel Griffiths red-carded just after the final whistle in a dramatic homecoming for the striker.
But having only managed two points from their past six games Zane has challenged his charges to use the momentum from their thrilling draw to push for a top-six spot.
“That’s just the start and if we want to make the six, that’s the bear minimum for us,” he said.
The Bear
Guest
Ouch !
Bondy
Guest
I wish Carney would just retire from football a true parasite to the game.
Griffo
Roar Guru
*sigh* (-.-) Carney has little time to make an impact, and he certainly will need to set the team and A-League alight if he is to be noticed for a spot to Brazil. I won't mind if he cracks a few left foot screamers from left midfield, but he has history, reputation and lack of gametime to overcome to keep his spot in the club for next season let alone make the Socceroos. I feel this is more a reflection on the clubs poor recruitment policies and decision-making, even if Carney can turn back the clock quickly, a serious look at how the club is operating is needed as the Jets appear to have a few decision makers detached, aimless and reactive rather than proactive to the squad or the clubs future.
fadida
Guest
Have watched Celtic play in Europe and SPL. Pretty ugly football (which I'd admit does look better beside the rest of the rabble in the SPL)
Roberto Bettega
Roar Rookie
I agree the criticism at times has been OTT, especially when successive NT managers tried to turn him into something which he was not, to fill a gaping hole that has now been there for years. That is not Carney's fault, and all considering, he put in some decent NT performances. But we have moved on, and he has fallen way, way behind now. Unless Ange wants to run with a back three and employ attacking wing-backs, and needs Carney as a 2nd or 3rd choice LWB, then his chances of getting to Brasil are remote in the extreme.
Atawhai Drive
Roar Guru
David Carney, the Glenn Maxwell of football, the player everyone loves to criticise despite his 48 appearances for the Socceroos. Twitter was savage. One tweet I saw suggested that the other nine A-League clubs would hold celebratory parties at the news of Carney's signing. He didn't exactly set the world on fire at Sydney FC. But then, several players who've looked ordinary in sky blue have shone elsewhere.
Bondy
Guest
Dave's had a strange career he's played on 3-4 continents though rarely utilised wherever he's roamed .
1860melbourne
Guest
The prodigal son returns. Just need his nomadic twin Lucas to return now!
Stevo
Guest
Just had a closer look at the headline "Carney Retuns to A-League with Jets". Must have a kiwi editor LOL :)
stu
Guest
Watch Celtic play, then advise if your assumtion is correct. I would have preferred him to play in Japan, and along with Nichols judge how long they spend on the bench. This will go a long way to confirming our inflated idea of most Aussie players playing abroad.
Stevo
Guest
Carney to be used by Jets to simulate a training cone. David, the HAL has moved on and you might be surprised to find that you'd be ranked in the bottom 30% of players (just a wild guess). What were you thinking Jets???
Roger
Guest
Sorry, but Carney simply isn't good enough for the Socceroos. If he goes to Brazil, I will be very annoyed. One of his greatest strengths at his peak was his ability to run up and down the pitch all day with speed. Whilst I thank Carney for his contributions, willingness and desire to play for the Socceroos, I think it's time for us to move on.
fadida
Guest
Rodic (sic) is certainly good enough. He made the mistake of going to a league that doesn't suit him (or anyone who isn't a hoofer). Carney certainly is guilty of delusions of grandeur, and I look forward to telling him so at the game this week :)
Roberto Bettega
Roar Rookie
It's Rogic (who is currently our best hope of producing a world class player). You can't blame players for doing whatever they think they need to do to resurrect their careers, especially with a world cup round the corner. But I get the gist of what you're saying, if the bulk of the socceroos squad comprises players who couldn't get a gig in 2nd tier comps overseas, then that definitely does not augur well for Brasil.
stu
Guest
As with most media reports, the claim is again made the Carney is one of a host of overseas players returning to Australia to win a gig at the WC. Perhaps it is worth considering that Carney, Rodic and then an ever increasing number of players in particular returning from Asia after less than one season are simply not good enough to make it overseas. Maybe we need to understand our player stock is not as good as we sometimes think.