Newly-appointed Newcastle Jets coach Phil Stubbins believes the re-signing of Joel Griffiths and David Carney is a big coup for the Jets ahead of the 2014/15 season.
Newcastle Jets head coach Phil Stubbins believes the re-signing of experienced duo Joel Griffiths and David Carney earlier this month is a big coup for the Club ahead of the 2014/15 Hyundai A-League season.
Stubbins said securing the services of both Griffiths and Carney was among his top priorities after being appointed Jets head coach earlier this month.
Griffiths is the Jets- all-time leading goal scorer with 31 goals in 68 Hyundai A-League appearances and Stubbins said he is excited by what the striker brings to the table.
“Joel is a proven goal-scorer and after talking face to face with the man you soon realise that he’s a winner with a real drive to succeed,” Stubbins said.
“He also provides strength to other players around him by the way he plays the game.
“Joel will continue to score goals and win games for the Jets next season and will have a big say in how things shape up for the team moving forward.”
Stubbins said he felt Carney could make a major impact in the Hyundai A-League this season with a full pre-season under his belt and a consistent run of matches.
“David is another tremendously experienced addition to the squad and a player that we feel may have arrived at the Newcastle Jets at just the right time,” Stubbins said.
“He’ll be fully settled and fitter after a full pre-season with the group and he’s a player who has tremendous technical abilities that can unlock the best of defences.
“The stage for David next season will see a player we-re all hoping uses as a platform to show both the Jets fans and the Socceroos that he’s still got a lot to offer.”
Stubbins said he is focused on putting in place the foundations for the Jets to be successful next season and beyond.
“With a full pre-season to help establish ourselves as a genuinely progressive football club both Joel and David will play a big role in making that happen,” Stubbins explained.
“We want to be looked upon as a football club were anyone representing the Jets projects the appropriate behaviours associated to helping create the most effective, professional and productive of environments.”
Meanwhile, Stubbins wished Socceroos squad members Mark Birighitti, Josh Brillante and Adam Taggart luck ahead of Monday night-s World Cup farewell friendly match against South Africa at ANZ Stadium.
“It is fantastic to have had three players named in the preliminary Socceroo World Cup squad and I-d like to congratulate Mark, Josh and Adam on a superb achievement at such a young age,” Stubbins said.
“We wish them every success in their efforts to represent Australia in the ultimate showpiece.
“Enjoy the moment boys, but remember to keep pushing.”
