SYDNEY MORNING HERALD
Michael Cockerill
SOCCEROOS defender Jade North has missed out on a deadline-day move to Europe, and champions Newcastle Jets face the prospect of dealing with an unhappy captain when the A-League season resumes in a fortnight.
North has made little secret of his desire to play overseas since winning the title last season, but despite being linked with several European clubs - most recently Turkish champions Galatasaray and French first-division newcomers Grenoble - it was only at the weekend that a genuine bid emerged from an unlikely source: Danish title-chasers Randers FC.
It's understood Randers, coached by Englishman Colin Todd, approached Jets management soon after Friday night's 5-0 demolition at the hands of Melbourne Victory - a woeful performance notable for an uncharacteristically mistake-riddled contribution from their skipper. North was curt when asked immediately after the match by Fox Sports whether all the transfer speculation was starting to affect his form. Over the ensuing 48 hours, Randers stepped up the chase to secure North on a loan deal for the remainder of the season, with a guarantee to pay a transfer fee before the next Danish season begins in April.
Despite North's pleas to be released, however, Jets owner Con Constantine refused to countenance a loan deal, even though North will be eligible to leave for free when his contract expires at the end of the A-League season.
Constantine instead held out for a permanent transfer with a sell-on clause, a deal believed to be worth around $700,000 to the club.
Randers insisted they couldn't fund the deal before the international transfer deadline on Sunday night (Sydney time) and instead signed another defender on loan just before the close of business - leaving North with no choice but to see out the season with the Jets.
Now in camp with the Socceroos in the Netherlands, there's little doubt North is hugely disappointed with Constantine's hard-line stance - leaving coach Gary van Egmond with the difficult task of re-motivating his skipper as the Jets try to get their title defence back on track following Friday's debacle at the Telstra Dome.
North's determination to leave also means the Jets will almost certainly need to find a new central defender for their inaugural Asian Champions League campaign, which kicks off in early March.
Meanwhile, in other deadline-day news involving Australian players, it is believed attacking midfielder Brett Holman was last night poised to make a shock move to join Socceroos teammate Vince Grella at English premiership side Blackburn Rovers (English clubs have an extra 24 hours to sign players), although he is only a couple of games into the new Dutch season with his new club, AZ Alkmaar.
Artcle Source http://www.smh.com.au/news/a-league/newcastle-say-no-to-danes-bid-for-north/2008/09/01/1220121136896.html
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Monday, September 1, 2008
Captain cranky: North misses transfer window after Jets plays hardball
THE NEWCASTLE HERALD
BY MICHAEL COCKERILL, SYDNEY MORNING HERALD
SOCCEROOS defender Jade North has missed out on a deadline-day move to Europe, and Newcastle face the prospect of dealing with an unhappy captain when the A-League season resumes in a fortnight.
North has made little secret of his desire to play overseas since winning the title last season, but despite being linked to several European clubs most recently Turkish champions Galatasaray and French first division newcomers Grenoble it was only over the weekend that a genuine bid emerged from an unlikely source Danish title-chasers Randers FC.
It is understood Randers, coached by Englishman Colin Todd, approached Jets management shortly after Friday night's 5-0 demolition at the hands of Melbourne a woeful performance notable for an uncharacteristically mistake-riddled contribution from Newcastle's skipper.
North was curt when asked immediately after the match by Fox Sports whether all the transfer speculation was starting to affect his form.
Over the ensuing 48 hours, Randers stepped up the chase to secure North on a loan deal for the remainder of the season with a guarantee to pay a transfer fee before the next Danish season starts in April.
But despite North's pleas to be released, Jets owner Con Constantine refused to countenance a loan deal, even though North will be eligible to leave for free when his contract expires at the end of the A-League season.
Constantine instead held out for a permanent transfer with a sell-on clause, a deal believed to be worth about $700,000 to the club.
Randers insisted they could not fund the deal before the international transfer deadline on Sunday night (Sydney time) and instead signed another defender on loan just before the close of business leaving North with no choice but to see out the A-League season with Newcastle.
Currently in camp with the Socceroos in the Netherlands, there is little doubt North is hugely disappointed with Constantine's hardline stance leaving coach Gary van Egmond with the difficult task of remotivating his skipper as the Jets attempt to get their title defence back on track after Friday's debacle at the Telstra Dome.
North's determination to leave also means the Jets will most likely need to find a new central defender for their inaugural Asian Champions League campaign, which kicks off in March.
BY MICHAEL COCKERILL, SYDNEY MORNING HERALD
SOCCEROOS defender Jade North has missed out on a deadline-day move to Europe, and Newcastle face the prospect of dealing with an unhappy captain when the A-League season resumes in a fortnight.
North has made little secret of his desire to play overseas since winning the title last season, but despite being linked to several European clubs most recently Turkish champions Galatasaray and French first division newcomers Grenoble it was only over the weekend that a genuine bid emerged from an unlikely source Danish title-chasers Randers FC.
It is understood Randers, coached by Englishman Colin Todd, approached Jets management shortly after Friday night's 5-0 demolition at the hands of Melbourne a woeful performance notable for an uncharacteristically mistake-riddled contribution from Newcastle's skipper.
North was curt when asked immediately after the match by Fox Sports whether all the transfer speculation was starting to affect his form.
Over the ensuing 48 hours, Randers stepped up the chase to secure North on a loan deal for the remainder of the season with a guarantee to pay a transfer fee before the next Danish season starts in April.
But despite North's pleas to be released, Jets owner Con Constantine refused to countenance a loan deal, even though North will be eligible to leave for free when his contract expires at the end of the A-League season.
Constantine instead held out for a permanent transfer with a sell-on clause, a deal believed to be worth about $700,000 to the club.
Randers insisted they could not fund the deal before the international transfer deadline on Sunday night (Sydney time) and instead signed another defender on loan just before the close of business leaving North with no choice but to see out the A-League season with Newcastle.
Currently in camp with the Socceroos in the Netherlands, there is little doubt North is hugely disappointed with Constantine's hardline stance leaving coach Gary van Egmond with the difficult task of remotivating his skipper as the Jets attempt to get their title defence back on track after Friday's debacle at the Telstra Dome.
North's determination to leave also means the Jets will most likely need to find a new central defender for their inaugural Asian Champions League campaign, which kicks off in March.
Damaged Jets in line of fire: Reputations mean zilch to irate coach
THE NEWCASTLE HERALD
BY JOSH LEESON
JETS coach Gary van Egmond said the reputations of his players had been tarnished and changes were imminent in the aftermath of last Friday's 5-0 hiding against Melbourne.
The loss equalled the Jets' previous worst A-League defeat, to Queensland Roar at EnergyAustralia Stadium in 2006.
"Realistically, the only one who has their reputation intact is [Ben] Kantarovski, and so once that goes, all positions are up for grabs," van Egmond said.
"Over the next two weeks we're going to be looking at which players deserve the opportunity to be playing against Sydney.
"You can't lose 5-0 and not look to see if there's going to be any changes. Obviously there's a real problem there."
The Jets are winless after three rounds following draws with Central Coast (1-1) and Perth (3-3) in the opening two rounds.
Last season the Jets conceded 26 goals in 26 games.
This season's average of three goals per game is a worrying statistic for van Egmond.
"If you concede nine goals in three games, there's obviously major concerns on the defensive side of things, because you won't achieve anything by conceding that number of goals," he said.
The A-League takes a break this weekend ahead of the Socceroos' World Cup qualifier against Uzbekistan and plenty of work will need to be done during the recess if Newcastle are to beat title favourites Sydney FC in the next match at home on September 13.
"I think what the problem on Friday was we just let ourselves down with discipline," van Egmond said.
"That's with everything, not just general play, but on set-pieces. Against sides like Melbourne you can't do that, and if you do, you get punished."
The Victory scored in the 40th minute through Carlos Hernandez after the Jets had dominated for most of the first half.
Archie Thompson and Danny Allsopp ran riot in the second half to destroy Newcastle.
Van Egmond blamed off-field contract drama for disrupting the concentration of his side.
Jets skipper and central defender Jade North has been at the centre of contract talk over the past month and speculation about him transferring to a European club.
Since returning to the Jets from the Olympics in round two, the Socceroos star has been far from his best.
"What we need to do is not worry about anything outside of what we can't control," van Egmond said. "Obviously there's been a few issues here, there and everywhere.
"The deadline is gone now in regards to transferring, and Jade has got to accept his lot of where he is, as far as his football is concerned.
"He has to realise how he got to the stage of being in the [starting] eleven with the Socceroos, by working hard and doing the right things with the Jets to give himself the opportunity."
The Jets also have goalkeeper Ante Covic, striker Joel Griffiths and defender Adam Griffiths coming off contract at the end of the season.
"We need people who are coming off contract to have an outcome, be that with us or someone else," van Egmond said.
"It doesn't really matter, the important part is an outcome, because clearly they can't deal with the fact of not being signed [by the Jets] or with anyone else and not knowing their future."
One player whose future with the Jets is certain is Danish recruit Jesper Hakansson.
Hakansson is signed with Newcastle for two seasons and made his debut on Friday after missing two games with a calf tear.
The attacking midfielder played 68 minutes before being replaced by Jason Hoffman.
Van Egmond said it was a mixed debut.
"I thought he tried really hard, but at the end of the day he got a little lost in regards to the shape and what's expected of him," he said.
"You've got to give him the benefit of the doubt, he hasn't played for several weeks and his effort was good, but obviously we're going to expect more from him.
Article Source http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/sport/soccer/damaged-jets-in-line-of-fire-reputations-mean-zilch-to-irate-coach/1259872.aspx
BY JOSH LEESON
JETS coach Gary van Egmond said the reputations of his players had been tarnished and changes were imminent in the aftermath of last Friday's 5-0 hiding against Melbourne.
The loss equalled the Jets' previous worst A-League defeat, to Queensland Roar at EnergyAustralia Stadium in 2006.
"Realistically, the only one who has their reputation intact is [Ben] Kantarovski, and so once that goes, all positions are up for grabs," van Egmond said.
"Over the next two weeks we're going to be looking at which players deserve the opportunity to be playing against Sydney.
"You can't lose 5-0 and not look to see if there's going to be any changes. Obviously there's a real problem there."
The Jets are winless after three rounds following draws with Central Coast (1-1) and Perth (3-3) in the opening two rounds.
Last season the Jets conceded 26 goals in 26 games.
This season's average of three goals per game is a worrying statistic for van Egmond.
"If you concede nine goals in three games, there's obviously major concerns on the defensive side of things, because you won't achieve anything by conceding that number of goals," he said.
The A-League takes a break this weekend ahead of the Socceroos' World Cup qualifier against Uzbekistan and plenty of work will need to be done during the recess if Newcastle are to beat title favourites Sydney FC in the next match at home on September 13.
"I think what the problem on Friday was we just let ourselves down with discipline," van Egmond said.
"That's with everything, not just general play, but on set-pieces. Against sides like Melbourne you can't do that, and if you do, you get punished."
The Victory scored in the 40th minute through Carlos Hernandez after the Jets had dominated for most of the first half.
Archie Thompson and Danny Allsopp ran riot in the second half to destroy Newcastle.
Van Egmond blamed off-field contract drama for disrupting the concentration of his side.
Jets skipper and central defender Jade North has been at the centre of contract talk over the past month and speculation about him transferring to a European club.
Since returning to the Jets from the Olympics in round two, the Socceroos star has been far from his best.
"What we need to do is not worry about anything outside of what we can't control," van Egmond said. "Obviously there's been a few issues here, there and everywhere.
"The deadline is gone now in regards to transferring, and Jade has got to accept his lot of where he is, as far as his football is concerned.
"He has to realise how he got to the stage of being in the [starting] eleven with the Socceroos, by working hard and doing the right things with the Jets to give himself the opportunity."
The Jets also have goalkeeper Ante Covic, striker Joel Griffiths and defender Adam Griffiths coming off contract at the end of the season.
"We need people who are coming off contract to have an outcome, be that with us or someone else," van Egmond said.
"It doesn't really matter, the important part is an outcome, because clearly they can't deal with the fact of not being signed [by the Jets] or with anyone else and not knowing their future."
One player whose future with the Jets is certain is Danish recruit Jesper Hakansson.
Hakansson is signed with Newcastle for two seasons and made his debut on Friday after missing two games with a calf tear.
The attacking midfielder played 68 minutes before being replaced by Jason Hoffman.
Van Egmond said it was a mixed debut.
"I thought he tried really hard, but at the end of the day he got a little lost in regards to the shape and what's expected of him," he said.
"You've got to give him the benefit of the doubt, he hasn't played for several weeks and his effort was good, but obviously we're going to expect more from him.
Article Source http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/sport/soccer/damaged-jets-in-line-of-fire-reputations-mean-zilch-to-irate-coach/1259872.aspx
Thursday, August 28, 2008
No Place For Archie In First XI
FOUR FOUR TWO
MELBOURNE Victory are set to stick with a similar starting line-up as last week for Friday's match against Newcastle Jets, with goalkeeper Michael Theoklitos likely to be the only change.
Coach Ernie Merrick won't fix what ain't broke, which means Archie Thompson is likely to come off the bench while Theoklitos, the first-choice stopper, comes in for understudy Mitch Langerak.
Merrick said he has been pleased with Theoklitos's efforts at training this week, which have shown he is over the ankle injury which saw him miss the trip to Wellington.
"That's the second training session he's got through without holding back. It looks like he's going to come back into goal," he said.
While Thompson may be the Hyundai A-League's all-time leading scorer, Victory will be patient with their marquee star who is coming back from an ankle injury picked up during his recent Olympic campaign.
"My feeling on Archie is that 100 percent he'll be in the squad," he said. "We won 4-2 last week, there won't be many changes to the starting XI and Archie hasn't played a lot of football.
"It's not always wise to start someone in a situation where the game is very intense at the beginning. To come off the bench would be pretty good.
"I think that the two strikers were the two outstanding players in last week. If we decide to bring Archie on, we can always play with three strikers with Carlos behind, that would be a very attacking force. I relish the thought."
There is positive news on Rody Vargas, who picked up a leg injury in the wet and wild clash with the Phoenix. The defender has trained solidly this week and will play against the Jets.
"He looks pretty good Rody," added Merrick. "He jarred his knee in a tackle, midway through the first half but there doesn't seem to be any major damage.
"The ankle took the brunt of it. The ankle is what swelled up. That can be easily taped and he's got through training without any problems."
However Nick Ward's comeback from a calf injury is likely to be delayed until after the international break with Victory unlikely to risk the fitness of the midfielder.
"I was just talking to him and the physiotherapist there, and we'll finalise it later this afternoon," said Merrick.
"Not worth the risk that this is the first time this year we've had all 22 players in the squad train. I don't see the point in risking a calf injury, which can be quite niggly.
"We've got a week off after this, so maybe it's worth leaving it another week."
MELBOURNE Victory are set to stick with a similar starting line-up as last week for Friday's match against Newcastle Jets, with goalkeeper Michael Theoklitos likely to be the only change.
Coach Ernie Merrick won't fix what ain't broke, which means Archie Thompson is likely to come off the bench while Theoklitos, the first-choice stopper, comes in for understudy Mitch Langerak.
Merrick said he has been pleased with Theoklitos's efforts at training this week, which have shown he is over the ankle injury which saw him miss the trip to Wellington.
"That's the second training session he's got through without holding back. It looks like he's going to come back into goal," he said.
While Thompson may be the Hyundai A-League's all-time leading scorer, Victory will be patient with their marquee star who is coming back from an ankle injury picked up during his recent Olympic campaign.
"My feeling on Archie is that 100 percent he'll be in the squad," he said. "We won 4-2 last week, there won't be many changes to the starting XI and Archie hasn't played a lot of football.
"It's not always wise to start someone in a situation where the game is very intense at the beginning. To come off the bench would be pretty good.
"I think that the two strikers were the two outstanding players in last week. If we decide to bring Archie on, we can always play with three strikers with Carlos behind, that would be a very attacking force. I relish the thought."
There is positive news on Rody Vargas, who picked up a leg injury in the wet and wild clash with the Phoenix. The defender has trained solidly this week and will play against the Jets.
"He looks pretty good Rody," added Merrick. "He jarred his knee in a tackle, midway through the first half but there doesn't seem to be any major damage.
"The ankle took the brunt of it. The ankle is what swelled up. That can be easily taped and he's got through training without any problems."
However Nick Ward's comeback from a calf injury is likely to be delayed until after the international break with Victory unlikely to risk the fitness of the midfielder.
"I was just talking to him and the physiotherapist there, and we'll finalise it later this afternoon," said Merrick.
"Not worth the risk that this is the first time this year we've had all 22 players in the squad train. I don't see the point in risking a calf injury, which can be quite niggly.
"We've got a week off after this, so maybe it's worth leaving it another week."
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Jesper cleared for A-League debut
THE NEWCASTLE HERALD
By Josh Leeson
JETS fans will finally get a chance to see Jesper Hakansson in action after the Danish recruit was given the all-clear for tomorrow night's match against Melbourne.
Hakansson, 27, tore his calf muscle at training more than three weeks ago and has been unavailable for the season's first two matches against the Mariners and Perth.
He is capable of playing as an attacking midfielder or in a holding role, but Jets coach Gary van Egmond said he would be used to link the midfield to strikers Edmundo Zura and Joel Griffiths.
"We're looking forward to seeing the partnership between the players in the front third," van Egmond said.
"At a push he can play as a deeper midfielder, but I think he's more of a player who plays in that attacking third and he's got some real good qualities."
One of those qualities van Egmond is looking to take advantage of is his experience of playing for Lyngby BK in the Danish first division.
"I think he's one who can actually organise quite well. He's seen things with his experience playing in Europe. He's a real leader he leads by example as well," van Egmond said.
"He has a tremendous work ethic, can score goals and the timing of his pass is good."
Hakansson's return means only Jets defender Shaun Ontong (ankle) is unavailable for selection.
Newcastle have a great record against Melbourne, recording four wins and a draw from their past five clashes.
But the Victory will be boosted tomorrow by the return of striker Archie Thompson, midfielder Nick Ward and goalkeeper Michael Theoklitos.
"It's a real embarrassment of riches what they've got down there," van Egmond said.
Article Source http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/sport/soccer/jesper-cleared-for-aleague-debut/1256014.aspx
By Josh Leeson
JETS fans will finally get a chance to see Jesper Hakansson in action after the Danish recruit was given the all-clear for tomorrow night's match against Melbourne.
Hakansson, 27, tore his calf muscle at training more than three weeks ago and has been unavailable for the season's first two matches against the Mariners and Perth.
He is capable of playing as an attacking midfielder or in a holding role, but Jets coach Gary van Egmond said he would be used to link the midfield to strikers Edmundo Zura and Joel Griffiths.
"We're looking forward to seeing the partnership between the players in the front third," van Egmond said.
"At a push he can play as a deeper midfielder, but I think he's more of a player who plays in that attacking third and he's got some real good qualities."
One of those qualities van Egmond is looking to take advantage of is his experience of playing for Lyngby BK in the Danish first division.
"I think he's one who can actually organise quite well. He's seen things with his experience playing in Europe. He's a real leader he leads by example as well," van Egmond said.
"He has a tremendous work ethic, can score goals and the timing of his pass is good."
Hakansson's return means only Jets defender Shaun Ontong (ankle) is unavailable for selection.
Newcastle have a great record against Melbourne, recording four wins and a draw from their past five clashes.
But the Victory will be boosted tomorrow by the return of striker Archie Thompson, midfielder Nick Ward and goalkeeper Michael Theoklitos.
"It's a real embarrassment of riches what they've got down there," van Egmond said.
Article Source http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/sport/soccer/jesper-cleared-for-aleague-debut/1256014.aspx
Jets Call-Ups To 'Roos Squad
FOUR FOUR TWO
NEWCASTLE Jets stars Jade North and Ante Covic have earned Socceroo recalls in the squad for the Holland friendly next month, announced by Pim Verbeek today.
The Qantas Socceroos Head Coach has selected an extended 27-player squad for the upcoming international friendly match against the Netherlands on September 6 and the 2010 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifier Round 4 match against Uzbekistan in Tashkent on Wednesday 10 September.
Covic and North are the only A-League names among the Socceroos squad which also includes Michael Beauchamp, Jacob Burns, Brett Emerton, Brad Jones, Harry Kewell,and Shane Stefanutto. As expected, neither Tim Cahill or Mark Viduka are fit to take their place.
Verbeek said the challenge was out there now for A-League players to prove they were up to the standard to play in this World Cup qualification campaign.
"These two guys are the two who have made an impression on me the last five or six months. I know they can do for a job for us," he said. "It's up to the boys in the A-League now to lift their standards and we will look at them when we are back in Australia for the next games."
Verbeek said he will work out after the game against the Dutch in Eindhoven how many players he will take to Central Asia for the opening match of the second stage of World Cup qualification.
"We have this squad together for the first week in training and before we leave we will work out how many players will take to Tashkent," Verbeek said on Wednesday.
Richard Garcia, who was a late inclusion for the recent friendly against South Africa, has been named after scoring for Hull on the weekend, while Norwegian-based Shane Stefanutto gets a call up. Stefanutto made his debut in 2007 in a friendly against China.
"Games like this are good to see some players," Verbeek said. "Players we haven't had in the camp. Stefanutto is a left player. He was in previous squads. Henk Duut watched him play last weekend. It's a good chance for his to show himself, like we did last time with Garcia."
Coming back into the squad from the 2-2 draw against Bafana Bafana in August are Michael Beauchamp, Jacob Burns, Brett Emerton, Brad Jones, Harry Kewell, Covic, North and Stefanutto.
Verbeek has gone for a European-based feel to his team, leaving out most of the best local players, including Archie Thompson. Adam Federici is the other notable omission from the squad, with Brad Jones and Covic favoured as Mark Schwarzer's understudies. All 27 players have already made their international debut.
The match against the Uzbeks marks the beginning of the second stage of Australia's qualifying campaign for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Australia must finish top two in a group which also contains, Japan, Bahrain and Qatar to book an automatic place in that tournament.
Socceroos Squad
Michael BEAUCHAMP Aalborg BK, Denmark
Mark BRESCIANO U.S. Citta di Palermo, Italy
Jacob BURNS FC Unirea Valahorum, Romania
David CARNEY Sheffield United FC, England
Scott CHIPPERFIELD FC Basel, Switzerland
Chris COYNE Colchester United FC, England
Ante COVIC Newcastle Jets, Australia
Jason CULINA PSV Eindhoven, Netherlands
Bruce DJITE Genclerbirligi SK, Turkey
Brett EMERTON Blackburn Rovers, England
Richard GARCIA Hull City FC, England
Vincenzo GRELLA Blackburn Rovers, England
Brett HOLMAN AZ Alkmaar, Netherlands
Brad JONES Middlesbrough FC, England
Josh KENNEDY Karlsruher SC, Germany
Harry KEWELL Galatasaray SK, Turkey
Scott McDONALD Celtic FC, Scotland
Mark MILLIGAN uncontracted
Lucas NEILL West Ham United FC, England
Jade NORTH Newcastle Jets, Australia
Michael PETKOVIC Sivasspor, Turkey
Mark SCHWARZER Fulham FC, England
Matthew SPIRANOVIC FC Nurnberg, Germany
Shane STEFANUTTO FC Lyn Oslo, Norway
Mile STERJOVSKI Derby County FC, England
Carl VALERI U.S. Grosseto FC, Italy
Luke WILKSHIRE Dynamo Moscow, Russia
Article Source http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/83465,jets-callups-to-roos-squad.aspx
NEWCASTLE Jets stars Jade North and Ante Covic have earned Socceroo recalls in the squad for the Holland friendly next month, announced by Pim Verbeek today.
The Qantas Socceroos Head Coach has selected an extended 27-player squad for the upcoming international friendly match against the Netherlands on September 6 and the 2010 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifier Round 4 match against Uzbekistan in Tashkent on Wednesday 10 September.
Covic and North are the only A-League names among the Socceroos squad which also includes Michael Beauchamp, Jacob Burns, Brett Emerton, Brad Jones, Harry Kewell,and Shane Stefanutto. As expected, neither Tim Cahill or Mark Viduka are fit to take their place.
Verbeek said the challenge was out there now for A-League players to prove they were up to the standard to play in this World Cup qualification campaign.
"These two guys are the two who have made an impression on me the last five or six months. I know they can do for a job for us," he said. "It's up to the boys in the A-League now to lift their standards and we will look at them when we are back in Australia for the next games."
Verbeek said he will work out after the game against the Dutch in Eindhoven how many players he will take to Central Asia for the opening match of the second stage of World Cup qualification.
"We have this squad together for the first week in training and before we leave we will work out how many players will take to Tashkent," Verbeek said on Wednesday.
Richard Garcia, who was a late inclusion for the recent friendly against South Africa, has been named after scoring for Hull on the weekend, while Norwegian-based Shane Stefanutto gets a call up. Stefanutto made his debut in 2007 in a friendly against China.
"Games like this are good to see some players," Verbeek said. "Players we haven't had in the camp. Stefanutto is a left player. He was in previous squads. Henk Duut watched him play last weekend. It's a good chance for his to show himself, like we did last time with Garcia."
Coming back into the squad from the 2-2 draw against Bafana Bafana in August are Michael Beauchamp, Jacob Burns, Brett Emerton, Brad Jones, Harry Kewell, Covic, North and Stefanutto.
Verbeek has gone for a European-based feel to his team, leaving out most of the best local players, including Archie Thompson. Adam Federici is the other notable omission from the squad, with Brad Jones and Covic favoured as Mark Schwarzer's understudies. All 27 players have already made their international debut.
The match against the Uzbeks marks the beginning of the second stage of Australia's qualifying campaign for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Australia must finish top two in a group which also contains, Japan, Bahrain and Qatar to book an automatic place in that tournament.
Socceroos Squad
Michael BEAUCHAMP Aalborg BK, Denmark
Mark BRESCIANO U.S. Citta di Palermo, Italy
Jacob BURNS FC Unirea Valahorum, Romania
David CARNEY Sheffield United FC, England
Scott CHIPPERFIELD FC Basel, Switzerland
Chris COYNE Colchester United FC, England
Ante COVIC Newcastle Jets, Australia
Jason CULINA PSV Eindhoven, Netherlands
Bruce DJITE Genclerbirligi SK, Turkey
Brett EMERTON Blackburn Rovers, England
Richard GARCIA Hull City FC, England
Vincenzo GRELLA Blackburn Rovers, England
Brett HOLMAN AZ Alkmaar, Netherlands
Brad JONES Middlesbrough FC, England
Josh KENNEDY Karlsruher SC, Germany
Harry KEWELL Galatasaray SK, Turkey
Scott McDONALD Celtic FC, Scotland
Mark MILLIGAN uncontracted
Lucas NEILL West Ham United FC, England
Jade NORTH Newcastle Jets, Australia
Michael PETKOVIC Sivasspor, Turkey
Mark SCHWARZER Fulham FC, England
Matthew SPIRANOVIC FC Nurnberg, Germany
Shane STEFANUTTO FC Lyn Oslo, Norway
Mile STERJOVSKI Derby County FC, England
Carl VALERI U.S. Grosseto FC, Italy
Luke WILKSHIRE Dynamo Moscow, Russia
Article Source http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/83465,jets-callups-to-roos-squad.aspx
The Cap Won't Fit Troisi At Jets
FOUR FOUR TWO
NEWCASTLE Jets have ruled out breaking the bank to recruit Olyroo James Troisi to the side.
Jets CEO John Tsatsimas today confirmed there was no chance of bringing free agent Troisi into the Newcastle fold because the cash simply wasn't there to pay him.
"At the moment, our cap is pretty much full," he told au.fourfourtwo.com. "There's not much room to move."
The Jets moneyman admitted the club could find the cash if they were to use up their service agreement entitlements - but the club is still firmly opposed to them.
"Our policy is set in stone and we won't divert from that," he vowed. "It's well-recorded and we won't change that unless there is a change in policy at HQ."
But Tsatsimas paid tribute to Troisi and refused to rule him out completely.
"Troisi is a very good player and there's always room for very good players," he said. "But for the moment, I can't see that happening."
The only way Troisi could find a way into the side was if the Jets were to lose a player before the transfer window closes at the end of the week and free up cap space.
Jets skipper Jade North has been linked with a move away from the club, but Newcastle insist they have yet to see an offer in writing.
"With every day passing, the likelihood of Jade going is reducing," he said.
He said the club had heard nothing from any Turkish clubs despite hype about an impending move to Bruce Djite's new club, Genclerbirligi.
"I don't know if there was any contract in the first place," he said. "There was a lot of talk with agents but nothing concrete has come across my desk."
Although the Jets would ideally hope for a like-for-like replacement in the event they do lose North, another Olyroo free agent Mark Milligan is off the club's radar.
Tsatsimas added: "Milligan is a good player but whether he would be a good Newcastle player is another thing. We have to be able to accommodate players."
Along with Troisi and Milligan, fellow Olyroo and former Hereford United fullback Trent McClenahan is also looking for a new club for next season.
Article Source http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/83448,the-cap-wont-fit-troisi-at-jets.aspx
NEWCASTLE Jets have ruled out breaking the bank to recruit Olyroo James Troisi to the side.
Jets CEO John Tsatsimas today confirmed there was no chance of bringing free agent Troisi into the Newcastle fold because the cash simply wasn't there to pay him.
"At the moment, our cap is pretty much full," he told au.fourfourtwo.com. "There's not much room to move."
The Jets moneyman admitted the club could find the cash if they were to use up their service agreement entitlements - but the club is still firmly opposed to them.
"Our policy is set in stone and we won't divert from that," he vowed. "It's well-recorded and we won't change that unless there is a change in policy at HQ."
But Tsatsimas paid tribute to Troisi and refused to rule him out completely.
"Troisi is a very good player and there's always room for very good players," he said. "But for the moment, I can't see that happening."
The only way Troisi could find a way into the side was if the Jets were to lose a player before the transfer window closes at the end of the week and free up cap space.
Jets skipper Jade North has been linked with a move away from the club, but Newcastle insist they have yet to see an offer in writing.
"With every day passing, the likelihood of Jade going is reducing," he said.
He said the club had heard nothing from any Turkish clubs despite hype about an impending move to Bruce Djite's new club, Genclerbirligi.
"I don't know if there was any contract in the first place," he said. "There was a lot of talk with agents but nothing concrete has come across my desk."
Although the Jets would ideally hope for a like-for-like replacement in the event they do lose North, another Olyroo free agent Mark Milligan is off the club's radar.
Tsatsimas added: "Milligan is a good player but whether he would be a good Newcastle player is another thing. We have to be able to accommodate players."
Along with Troisi and Milligan, fellow Olyroo and former Hereford United fullback Trent McClenahan is also looking for a new club for next season.
Article Source http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/83448,the-cap-wont-fit-troisi-at-jets.aspx
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