Newcastle coach Phil Stubbins warned his side would prove the doubters right and finish last if they made a habit of their limp performance in a 4-0 loss to the Brisbane Roar.
Stubbins, in his first season as an A-League head coach, had found plenty of positives during a winless five-game start to the season but could not see any on Friday night as the Jets barely fired a shot against the defending premiers in front of 10,216 people at Hunter Stadium.
Henrique, who came on in the 36th minute, scored three goals and played the last pass in the other scoring move as Brisbane dismantled the Jets in the second half for their first win following four losses.
Tipped by many as wooden spoon this season, the Jets earned just two points from their first five games but led in three matches and showed potential to be a competitive force.
However, on Friday, Newcastle struggled to move the ball out of their own half while providing Henrique and co with space and time to attack.
Newcastle’s next assignment is away next Saturday against Western Sydney, who’ve lost their opening three games and are desperate for a first win.
Stubbins was at a loss to explain the inept performance from the Jets but warned there would be more tough times ahead if they did not show greater commitment and focus.
“The quality is one thing. The effort, endeavour and approach and your mindset and mentality is another.
“As a group today, I certainly wasn’t proud about how the troops went about their business.
“We need to set some standards in place to a team who does have a crack, regardless of the quality that’s available in the team or the squad, and actually go out there and represent the shirt in the right way.
“I’ve said all along, we need to fight above our weight and punch above our weight and you can see the players Brisbane Roar have got.
“And if we’re not at the races, in terms of coming to the table with fighting spirit, we’ve got no chance.
“That’s something that needs to lift.”
Stubbins later admitted he and his team, plus other sides outside the top six, were under pressure before adding: “They tipped us for the wooden spoon and I think if we associate ourselves with a performance like that, I think that’s where we are going to finish.”
While defender Scott Neville is expected back from a groin strain, Stubbins indicated 2010-11 Johnny Warren medallist Marcos Flores would also come into consideration for a starting position.
The Argentine playmaker surprisingly was an unused substitute against Brisbane.
“Marcos is a player now who is obviously well rested and we will see what he is about this coming week and he’ll be putting his hand up for next week’s game,” Stubbins said.
Arnold Krewanty
Guest
Tickets are cheaper than anywhere else in the A-League. Stupid or not, we still continue supporting having our own club representing the Newie area in a national competition. Always have, always will.
Premy
Guest
This dross has been served up for 4 years the fans are still coming. The core is about 9.5-10k strong this number won't grow whilst the garbage is displayed weekly but it won't rapidly drop either. We are stupid for continuing to show up for this torture but we are loyal.
Bondy
Guest
Terry Other than that can you find any abnormalities with the Football Club .
Fadida
Guest
Agree Eraser. Mulvey impressed me last week with his defence of Broich and the ill conceived questioning of his attitude. He is honest in his assessment. Stubbins was passing the buck. I tipped the Jets for the spoon preseason and sadly I see no reason to change. My concern is that te regional teams CCM and NJ may be cast adrift this season
Eraserhead
Guest
Those are all great observations. Seems to me they could have probably used you on the sidelines. I thought ultimately the responses from the coaches were demonstrative of their value. Mulvey spent a few minutes admonishing the media in his post-match for questioning the attitude and intent of our players during these past weeks, whereas Stubbins immediately settled for attacking his squad in lieu of accepting the deserved ignominy of his conspicuous tactical failure. Sort of struggling between feeling empathy and gratitude towards the Jets right now. The loyalty shown by the fans certainly warrants better, but then again it seems to me that they've just delivered form to our doorstep without even charging us p&h. Not complaining.
Terry
Guest
Newcastle are in dire straits at the moment. Average (not poor) crowds, average manager with no discernible talent or experience and a distinctly average team. Since the 'large' Newcastle man lost his money, flogged his racehorses and left the club, the club has descended at a rate of knots. Last place seems likely this season. We are often told that Newcastle is a football city. We shall see I guess if the fans turn up if more of this dross is served up.
Fadida
Guest
Griffo, I think there are plenty of career coaches who would jump at the chance to coach at A-League level, even at a base salary. Rudan jumps to mind immediately. Mulvey came from nowhere, and Gombau would have been affordable (not now). Given the Jets have chosen two very uninspiring coaches recently I think fingers need to point at the admin team. Zane was also tactically very limited. is that a reflection of Middleby et al and their philosophy on football. Can they think outside the (442) square?
Matthew Skellett
Guest
To be booed by your own supporters is a sad indicator that things are pretty grim . Mr Stubbins already talking surrender is not a good look that comes across to supporters of a club that is being stripped bear by Tinkler and his men . I would venture to say that by his own words Mr Stubbins has painted himself into a corner . As for Mr Rudan , i'd say that he has been groomed by Fox for some A-League gig and the Newcastle job might be as good as any ;-)
Griffo
Roar Guru
'Working hard' and 'graft' were raising the flag a bit for me early on... ...anyway, there is no oil in the rag as it is so I suspect if Stubbins is released he may have agreed to go without a payout. Similarly the likes of Rudan (like his work at SU58) may take the role for little pay just for the chance at an A-League gig. If he could turn it around, and new owners come on board flush with funds, it may well be as good a chance as any. The likely scenario if Stubbins goes is Zane taking over short term until the likes of Rudan comes in, if at all.
Squizz
Guest
Jets out - Bentleigh Greens in!!!
Cameron
Roar Guru
I've been wondering when Rudan will be afforded his opportunity. Surely it's only a matter of time?
Fadida
Guest
Ok, maybe just 1 more comment :) Stubbins blames "spirit" etc but it was 0-0 at half time. The right changes ie Neumann as the 10, or Griffiths, with the defensive role of pressuring Bratten, and the entire team either pressing higher or alternatively dropping off but putting intense pressure in the ball in their own 3rd would I'd guarantee get a point at least (and a much better performance). Stubbins instead changed to a flat 442, giving Roar a man advantage in midfield (against 2 unfit midfielders who were both having nightmare games anyway). Had Griffiths played behind Montano he would have picked up Bratten defensively. Instead he stayed up, gifting Bratten freedom on the ball (picking out Steffanuto's for the first goal). It was Stubbins initial selection and tactics exacerbated by his mistakes at half time that allowed Roar to totally dominate. They had time on the ball to pick apart the Jets. I hope Stubbins (but I doubt it) will watch how Roar had runners in behind penetrating. But Stubbins blames the "spirit" as the major issue. I wonder sometimes whether having an English accent, wearing a suit and knowing the right people is the only criteria for a coach? Would like to see Rudan replace him
Bondy
Guest
Cameron Agreed its the first and best way to lose the dressing shed what he's said .
Fadida
Guest
Agree Ck. I won't go over my argument from another thread again, but the coach needs to look at the way he had them set up v Roar and recognise how that may have demoralised his team.
Cameron
Roar Guru
The fact Stubbins blames his players for this loss already shows he doesn't have any idea. He played key players out of position, had players who didn't have match fitness and the structure applied allowed Brisbane to run all over them. Stubbins did nothing about this. Taylor Regan was woeful, Flores and Neumann need to play a lot more. Though to be honest, when you look at their roster it is very uninspiring.
Dribbler
Guest
It is not that easy to come last as there are a number of teams vying for the honour.