Jets eye more silverware

SPORTAL.COM.AU

By Steve Orme

Newcastle Jets coach Gary van Egmond has refused to rule out the possibility of securing back-to-back titles despite having lost no less than 10 players from last year's triumphant playing roster.

By his own admission, Van Egmond says the Hyundai A-League champions have had a disrupted pre-season through injury, as well as the involvement of key players with the Socceroos and Olyroos.

But with skipper Jade North and last season's leading scorer Joel Griffiths to be joined by young guns Tarek Elrich, Adam D'Apuzzo and new signings Kaz Patafta (Melbourne Victory) and Shaun Ontong (Adelaide United), expectations of a strong title defence remain high.

"The nucleus of the squad is still there and that is probably most important," Van Egmond said.

"One door shuts (and) another one opens for some of these younger players, they may get fast-tracked a little bit quicker than what we would have liked but that's the nature of the beast."

"We're looking forward to the season, these younger players have got a real opportunity (and) as we've seen previously a number of the young ones who have come in with us have grabbed it."

"And now some other (youngsters) who have seen the likes of James Holland and these types of players have now got the real chance to put their hands up and grab a spot."

While confident he has the necessary talent to mount a successful title defence, the former Socceroo says the players' attitude will determine whether they sink or swim in the upcoming campaign.

"I think we need to have a real strong mentality, our mentality was very, very good last year and again we need to display that and if we do I think we've got a good chance of doing very, very well again," Van Egmond said.

"It's just a matter of having that good mentality to ensure that we continue."

The Jets' campaign begins on Saturday when they face Perth Glory in the opening round of the Pre-Season Cup.

And while hungry for more silverware, Van Egmond already has one eye on the Round 1 blockbuster against grand final foes the Central Coast Mariners on August 15.

"We always approach everything we look to do, we approach to win it," Van Egmond said of the pre-season tournament.

"It depends on what we have in regards to player availability for those games but at the same token we will be rotating players."

"And all players will get an opportunity to show their wares and if they can prove themselves on that level then there's a good chance they'll start against Central Coast in the first home game."

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