A-League: Recruitment the key to Jets rising to next level
http://www.theherald.com.au/story/38...t-step/?cs=306
SCOTT Miller knows that the best coaches are also the best recruiters.
Therein lies the challenge as Miller attempts to build a roster capable of taking the Jets to the next level.
The Jets completed their maiden season under the former Fullham assistant with a 4-2 win over arch rivals Central Coast Mariners in Gosford on Saturday night.
The win moved the Jets to 30 points – 13 more than last season – and confirmed eighth place. Though a vast improvement on 2014-15, the Jets finished 11 points adrift of sixth-placed Victory.
Now comes decision time.
The Jets have improved their defence, leaking 41 goals compared to 55. However, their 28 goals for is the lowest in the league.
They have 10 players off contract, headed by keeper Mark Birighitti and imports Nordstrand, Leonardo and Enver Alivodic.
“Player recruitment will determine our success next year,” Miller said. ”It is no secret where our deficiencies lie. A number of factors contributed to that in terms of of how I structured the recruitment from the defensive phase to the attacking side. Financially it didn’t leave much in the attacking third to have an impact. Those discussions will take place with players in the next fortnight. It’s not all negative. The decisions will not be emotional, they will be based on bench-marking every performance. That is how you make good business decisions in football.”
Football Federation Australia are close to finalising the sale of the club to Chinese lighting magnate Martin Lee. The Herald understands that former Mariners coach Lawrie McKinna has been earmarked for a senior administration position in the new set-up. An American consortium headed by Jeff Von Schmauder also remain interested. FFA briefed Jets coaching and office staff last Thursday.
Miller has another year to run on his contract, but is yet to meet with Lee.
“The outcome of starting next season with a new owner is very exciting for everyone involved,” Miller said.
“It has been a difficult season, I won’t lie. It has been challenging for me in my first role, but it’s one I’ve enjoyed. I am highly frustrated with the outcome, finishing eighth with 30 points. I wouldn’t be too greedy in suggesting we could have another six or nine points with clinical finishing. I must say the playing group has been outstanding. I have been highly critical of them and very demanding of them, but I can’t fault them. Also the support from the coaching staff, especially assistant Jean-Paul de Marigny, has been outstanding.”