Embattled Newcastle finally have something to celebrate, with sought-after Irish marksman Roy O’Donovan set to sign a two-year A-League deal on Wednesday.
It’s understood the club have secured the former Central Coast striker’s services just days after the Jets picked up their second wooden spoon in three seasons and promptly sacked coach Mark Jones.
O’Donovan has been heavily linked to the Jets in recent weeks, a rumour further fuelled over the weekend when Mariners coach Paul Okon reluctantly confirmed his 31-year-old top-scorer was on the way out.
The Jets reportedly beat Western Sydney and Brisbane to his signature.
O’Donovan has netted 11 goals this campaign for a struggling side and is a coup for a Jets outfit that scored only once in their final six games.
Jones’ team conceded a record 19 unanswered goals in that period to suffer an unceremonious fall from finals contenders to wooden spooners.
Talks with other potential recruits have been put on hold until a new coach is in place.
Jets chief executive Lawrie McKinna is hopeful of appointing someone before the squad breaks for holidays on May 5 and has said the club will favour candidates with experience.
Franko
Guest
Poor form from O'Donovan IMO. He has the right to make the best living he can from football, but this is a low blow to CCM. They picked him up from Brunei / Indonesia and have provided him with a great opportunity and lifestyle on the coast, stuck by him through injury and suspension and then first chance he gets he joins their rivals. Okon in particular has been building a really solid squad and must be disappointing with how this has played out. Beware the journeymen...
Fadida
Guest
I get that, but signing players, especially visa ones who'll take up a chunk of cash, without a coach is a risk. Look at what happened with Kokko. A player who was going to be eseential to Miller ostracised by a coach who didn't want him
Griffo
Roar Guru
Agree although if you believe McKinna this was so far down the road they just did it with fingers crossed he turns out as good as they hope (and the new coach plays him). But the rest they had their eye on are not being pursued until the new coach arrives. At least that part is a given...
Dan
Guest
In this case I think they wanted to get a deal done asap because WSW was looking at Roy as well
Fadida
Guest
I never quite get this sign players without a coach thing