David Carney says Newcastle Jets need to make some big moves in the January transfer market to save their Hyundai A-League season and return the club to their glory days.
It’s been a tough few years for the Jets on the field with the club failing to make the A-League finals for the last five seasons.
A strong start to this campaign – which saw them lead the league after four rounds – had lifted expectations in the Hunter of a bumper season.
But it proved a false dawn, with Scott Miller’s side now languishing in eighth after nine games without a win.
With the January transfer window opening yesterday, Carney has urged club officials to splash the cash and bring in a few new players to increase the depth and quality of the side.
“There’s no question we need players, we need two or three more quality players just to get us to that next level,” Carney told Perform.
“It’s hard, especially if we do get a few injuries. But I still think if we our best 11 can beat anyone but hopefully we can get a few more quality players into the team.
“We don’t have the quality of other teams so we can’t really have off days and expect to get results,” Carney added.
11 A-League transfer window targets
Carney has been impressed with the huge strides the side has made this season under Miller, conceding everything has improved from last campaign under Phil Stubbins when the side finished last.
The 2014/15 season saw the Jets win just three matches, a damning stat simply not good enough for the proud Hunter club and their loyal fans.
The ex-Socceroo defender is enjoying being part of trying to rebuild the club and would love to see things return to their glory days in the early years of the Hyundai A-League.
“I remember playing with Sydney FC in the early years and there was like 20-25,000 when we used to play here [in Newcastle] for Sydney FC,” Carney said.
“Newcastle were doing very well then and if we can get results and get in that top six, maybe even in the top four, the crowds will come out.”
After missing last weekend’s 1-0 defeat to Melbourne Victory through suspension, Carney will return for Saturday’s NSW derby against Sydney FC at ANZ Stadium.
