Newcastle are not bemoaning Nabbout’s Victory move, says Hoffman

Newcastle Jets are not lamenting former star Andrew Nabbout’s return to Melbourne Victory, according to Jason Hoffman.

Nabbout, 26, re-joined hometown club Victory on Thursday after 16 months in Japan with Urawa Red Diamonds, a move he secured in March 2018 after hitting career-best form with Newcastle.

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The forward scored 18 goals in 46 appearances for the Jets, earning a J-League contract, two starts for the Caltex Socceroos at the 2018 World Cup and a reputation as one of Australia’s most exciting attackers.

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Newcastle CEO Lawrie McKinna admitted the Jets would have loved to make Nabbout ‘a big offer’ to lure him back, but knew of his intention to return to the Hyundai A-League too late.

But there’s no feelings of missing out, or watching enviously on, for local boy Hoffman, who says he couldn’t be happier with the firepower coach Ernie Merrick has assembled in the Hunter Valley.

“He’s gone to Melbourne Victory, and good on him,” Hoffman said. “For us we’re really happy with who we have recruited, people like Matty Millar, Fitzy [Nick Fitzgerald] and Abdiel [Arroyo].

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Nabbout

“Nick Fitzgerald is a really good signing, he’s looked really energetic and he’ll give us much needed drive.

“Abdiel [Arroyo] had a good Gold Cup with Panama. Young players like Angus Thurgate toward the end of last year really stood up. We’re really happy with who we have in the squad here.”

Nabbout’s first match for Victory will be against the Jets in the FFA Cup 2019 Round of 32, on Wednesday August 7, in a match that doubles as Marco Kurz’s first competitive match at the helm of Victory.

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