Newcastle Jets have addressed speculation concerning their discussions with Matt Millar, confirming they have signed the Central Coast Mariners player for the next two years.
Millar will join the Jets after ongoing negotiations between his management and Newcastle’s Football Operations Manager Joel Griffiths which commenced in December.
Newcastle CEO Lawrie McKinna today expressed his disappointment in the manner of how Millar’s signing had been revealed in a Sydney Morning Herald story yesterday afternoon.
The boss has addressed yesterday afternoon's speculation regarding Matt Millar #MadeOfNewcastle
? https://t.co/bnyUIpuckp pic.twitter.com/Vgse7Pw2xZ— NEWCASTLE JETS FC ✈️ (@NewcastleJetsFC) February 1, 2019
“Obviously we’re really excited to have signed Matt, he’s a fantastic young talent,” McKinna said on Newcastle’s official website.
“To be talking about it under these circumstances isn’t ideal, as we had intended to keep this quiet until the end of the season out of respect for Matt and the Mariners.
“Joel (Griffiths) was completely transparent with the Mariners about our intentions to negotiate and we were able to put together an attractive package for Matt to join us here in Newcastle.
“We had extensive discussions with Matt and his management, and they liked what they saw both on and off the park here in Newcastle – we’re excited to have him at the Jets next season.
“Matt has handled himself exceptionally throughout this process, he’s an impressive young man and we wish him all the best for the remainder of the season.”
Millar, who joined the Mariners in pre-season from NPL Victoria outfit South Melbourne, has registered five assists and scored one goal for the Mariners this season.
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