Jets

With the A-League season just seven days from kick-off, tonight we begin a series of stories getting to know the players away from the pitch. First up, a Jets stalwart whose skills aren’t confined to ONE round ball game.

Clayton Zane has seen plenty of footballers pass through the A-League in his time, but the Jets assistant coach believes the club’s latest recruit, Jair, could be up there with the best of them. And he’s declared the Brazillian will be ready for round one.

It’s been a big day for the Newcastle Jets. Matildas lynchpin Emily Van Egmond has returned home for another W-League season, while Socceroo Dimi Petratos has extended – and upgraded – his deal in the Hunter.

Jets coach Ernie Merrick will unleash what is likely to be Newcastle’s first 11 in the side’s trial match against Edgeworth tomorrow. But fans will have to wait another week to see Brazillian Jair in action.

As it stands, Glen Moss is the Newcastle Jets’ first-choice keeper. But he’s still hoping the club signs another, experienced gloveman – Although that’s not a sign he wants to give up his spot.

The Jets will face Melbourne City in their FFA Cup clash next Wednesday. But the coach won’t be resting key players in the lead-up, insisting they’ll play big minutes against the Mariners at Maitland on Saturday.

They’re words to make any opposition A-League player nervous – Ronald Vargas believes his best is yet to come. The Venezuelan marquee is now back training in Newcastle, after an extended off-season, and says he can feel something special brewing in the side.

The Jets have returned to the field for the first day of pre-season training. With most of the squad retained, the club is full of optimism. But coach Ernie Merrick did speak about last season’s grand final loss, surprisingly coming to the defence of the VAR.

Scorpion-kick king Riley McGree will return to the A-League next season, but it won’t be with the Newcastle Jets. The 19-year-old has instead signed a loan deal with the club he scored his incredible goal against – Melbourne City. McGree, who’s still contracted to Belgian heavyweights Club Brugge, says he’s heading south for the professionalism of City and its high-quality facilities. Newcastle did table an offer, but it’s understood it couldn’t match a club regarded as the richest in the league.

Young midfielder Mario Shabow has left the Newcastle Jets to take up two-year deal with the Central Coast Mariners. He’s made the move in search of more game-time after arriving from the Wanderers, the 20-year-old only appeared seven times for the Jets.