With some exciting young talent at his disposal, many expect finals football of “Dutchy”.
In the lead up to season 2012/13, we’re looking at the club coaches, their history, their challenges and what they have to do to make this season a success.
Gary van Egmond, Newcastle Jets
“Dutchy” looks to have finally got the squad he wants at the Jets and although it took him most of last season to get them playing the style of football he wanted, the Jets were finishing the season on a tear, until Sydney brought them undone at the final hurdle.
There are some rising expectations around the Jets, with quiet confidence emanating from the Hunter ahead of season 2012/13.
Van Egmond has built a young and athletic side that could push for the very top, and with the club’s recent announcement of a development pathway for the very youngest players, Newcastle’s conveyor belt of talent could mean big things for the club and region in the future.
History: Van Egmond’s standing with the club is unchallenged, after guiding them to the 2008 Grand Final victory.
After taking over from the Branko Culina debacle, his first season back was about repair and rebuild. This one is about restoring the Jets back to the top of the pile.
Challenges: Fulfilling the potential appears to be the biggest notion for Gary van Egmond – taking the Jets to the next level.
An exciting mix of youth and experience promises much but the coach needs to cox the best out of some inconsistent performers.
Tiago Calvano can-t afford to be as rash as he was last season and needs to step up and lead with the likes of Ryan Griffiths and Michael Bridges, although at this stage of his career the former England international is little more than a bit player.
The good news is in those youthful players the Jets have bought plenty of talent, and with Marco Birighitti waiting in the wings Ben Kennedy will be kept on his toes in goals.
The true challenge though is to kerb their youthful exuberance into a well-drilled aside.
There is no doubt James Brown, Josh Brillante, Ben Kantarovski, Adam Taggart and Mitch Cooper are exceptional talents, but they need to play the right style for the Jets to succeed.
If van Egmond can make them realise that and perform week-in-week-out, the Jets could be a very good side indeed.
Target Position: High on talent but short on experience, there are goals aplenty in this Jets team and van Egmond should be aiming for the finals and indeed a top five position; anything less would be a poor season.
Final Word: It wouldn-t appear that van Egmond is under pressure, but if Nathan Tinkler is at all the same way with coaches as he is with his horse trainers then look out.
Regardless, the Jets are a club with some admirable long-term plans and van Egmond looks to be a big part of those. Finals football would show that development is going according to plan.
