After his time at the AIS, Gary van Egmond is ready for the new crop of Jets.
With six weeks to go until season 2012/13, we’re looking at the best breakthrough talent ready to make their name in the Hyundai A-League.
Newcastle Jets
Gary van Egmond might have perhaps the youngest squad in the Hyundai A-League this year, and while this might carry some risks, the former AIS boss seems to have picked up some fine players over the off-season to compliment his established stars.
After a difficult return to the club, the Jets look more cohesive and this term, with van Egmond-s emphasis on movement off the ball they should be young and fit enough to put up with the physical demands.
James Brown is a star after his stellar debut season with Gold Coast and Ben Kantarovski is almost a club veteran aged just 20 years old, but the Jets also have a surprise former A-League captain and Qantas Joeys skipper who look the goods to improve.
Connor Chapman: After captaining the Qantas Joeys at the FIFA U17 World Cup in Mexico in 2011, Chapman has long been on the radar and it-s been only a matter of time for the 18-year-old. A mature player his knowledge and timing in defence will prove vital for the Jets.
Gary van Egmond says: “Connor is very driven and is probably older than his age in the way he approaches things.
“He is a real natural leader, who has already played at international level and is a real player for the future, he just needs to keep his head down and work hard and I-m sure he will get his chance.
“He has wonderful attributes when on the ball, knowing when to pass and also works hard on the defensive side, he just needs to keep doing what he is doing.
Mitch Cooper: Best known for controversially being handed the captaincy of Gold Coast United last year, Cooper is actually a flamboyant and talented footballer who has a flair for creativity in the forward third.
Van Egmond says: “Mitch is a little bit different and a carefree type; he is a little bit more instinctive, where some of the other young ones we have don-t seem to have that as much, he really does have that in tight areas.
“For him it-s about day to day training with the seniors and continuing to work hard and keeping that mentality of work ethic.”
