Jets have backfired, or have they?

Oh dear!

With over 24,000 fans backing them. And a 2-0 victory over Sydney FC in the semi-final last year, Newcastle had the chance to build a long and large supporter base. Just what the A-League need.

A team with a passionate supporter base in regional Australia.

But the wonderful Nicky Carle has gone. Charismatic Milton Rodriguez has gone. And the classy if ageing Paul Okon has gone.

Jorge Drovandi an Argentinean has arrived. Scott Tunbridge is back from Scotland, and an exciting but risky venture has seen Brazilian International Mario Jardel arrive.

Is he Brazil's answer to Stan Collymore? The FFA clearly don't think so as they've allowed this transfer to go through.

Joel Griffiths and Olyroo Mark Bridge will trouble all defences but will they get the ball?

Last season everyone loved to watch the Jets, but they will struggle to keep their large supporter base happy if the expected Nicky Carle replacement doesn't measure up. And he hasn't arrived yet!

Coach Gary Van Egmond may look enviously at the planning and community development projects of his near neighbours the Mariners.

No, the Jets are in big, big trouble. A lack of planning has hit the club and the progress of the Jets as a consistent quality club may be set back some years.

No excuses! Everyone knew Carle could go. Everyone knew Rodriguez would not accept the lowly A-League salary and of course Okon had discussed his retirement many times.

So how had Newcastle prepared?

A media stunt with the arrival of high profile player Jardel? Time will tell.

The Jets may struggle to create that special Novacastrian atmosphere this season, which would be a great shame.

The league needs a vibrant Newcastle.

Happy to be proved wrong but there is no finals place for the Jets this year, unless Jardel performs like a younger man, and the mysterious play maker turns out to be a play maker.

Players of interest:

Mark Bridge, Joel and Adam Griffiths, Big Mario Jardel, Stuart Musialik, Troy Hearfield, Jade North, Jorge Drovandi(?), Scott Tunbridge