Daily Australian News 2012

[Pico]

Heskey impact can be bigger than Del Piero

Barry Toohey
The Daily Telegraph
September 26, 2012 12:00AM



Newcastle Jets' new striker Emile Heskey - pictured in action for England - can have a big impact on the A-League, says teammate Michael Bridges. Picture: Philippe

NEWCASTLE Jets star Michael Bridges boldly predicts Emile Heskey will make a greater on-field impact in the A-League than Sydney FC's Italian superstar Alessandro Del Piero.

Bridges, who played with Heskey at junior international level in England and against him in the English Premier League, says Heskey will "scare the hell out of defenders" and attract a cult following in Newcastle.

"Emile is a superstar who is going to have a huge impact out here," Bridges said yesterday.

"Del Piero off the field is a priceless marketing commodity - the David Beckham of Italy. It's fantastic.

"But actually on the field for what he is going to give - he'll play a lot of games but I can see Emile giving the Jets a whole new dimension we haven't got and really take the A-League by storm.

"People say he hasn't got a good goalscoring record but if you look at the statistics of every striker who has played alongside of him, guys like Robbie Fowler and Michael Owen - they have gone on to become the top goalscorers in the league.

"He's very unselfish and does a lot of the dog work.

"He actually makes other players because he attracts so much attention from defenders."

It was Bridges who helped the Jets management seal the deal with Heskey, selling Newcastle, the lifestyle and the club to him during several phone conversations and text messages.

"It took some doing but we got there with him in the end," the former Leeds United striker said.

"I just told him I came out here on a six-month deal, fell in love with the place and three years later at this point in time, have no interest in going back."

"It's a growing league and I just said to him he could leave a lasting legacy out here.

"But the real credit for getting someone of his calibre to come has to go to Nathan (owner Nathan Tinkler).

"The way he has backed this is fantastic. Nathan's getting some negative publicity with people saying he is not committed to the club and to Newcastle.

"Well, if this is not commitment, I don't know what is."

Heskey will arrive in Australia with his wife Tagoe and two children on Friday before a planned meet and greet with Jets players that afternoon.

Seems the Herald has well and truly been replaced, no news in the herald for the last couple of days but the terror has been getting the low down each day.

For the benefit of the club's continued success this entire HSG vs The herald shit needs to end.

[q-money]

good to see the rest of us shelling out for the FFA to buy ono

[De-Champ]

They have not goven up on Ballack for next year either.

[Jetmaster]

Agree with Bridgey here - ADP off the field will be a goldmine. On it he will just need one or two hardmen to nail him and then he will sook and complain that the refs don't protect playmakers etc etc, the league is too physical etc. Then he'll get an injury and the fair weather bling fans will start to demand their money back. Truth is refs are not tough on the hardmen here - wonder if that will change ?

Heskey is physical to begin with and as long as he doesn't get sent off, will cause alot of pain in the the area - wish Musky was still around, that meeting would be titanic.

[GazFish35]

refs clamping down on hard hitting defensive tackles might actually help our "big guys" learn to takle cleanly..... soemthing that might help in Asian CL and Socceroos games where we are continually out foxed by clever attacks who know how to hit the ground.


we might end up with a better passing game across the league gtoo.

[q-money]

the a-league is soft, Argentina is ten times the place when it comes to on pitch violence

[belchardo]

Wanderers get green light to increase quota of foreign stars

SHINJI ONO and another foreign marquee player could be on their way to Parramatta Stadium after the FFA and rival club owners announced that Western Sydney Wanderers are free to sign two foreign players outside of the regular quota.

The Joint A-League Strategic Committee has given the green light for the Wanderers to have seven foreign players in their squad throughout their first two seasons. The concession has been brought in only days before the new season kicks off to help ensure the Wanderers will be competitive during their infancy.

''The Joint A-League Strategic Committee adopted a position which was put to the FFA board and subsequently ratified that Western Sydney Wanderers FC could receive concessions to their foreign player quota for the club to recruit up to seven foreign players for their first two seasons,'' a FFA spokesman said.

''All Hyundai A-League stakeholders including FFA, the clubs, our broadcast partner, sponsors and fans would agree that the success of Western Sydney Wanderers FC is strategically important to the growth of the game.''

The newcomers fulfilled the standard quota of five visa players earlier this month and are still one player short of the required minimum of 20 players. But, with two marquee positions still available and now granted the additional foreign player spots, they will be free to secure deals with Japanese star Ono and another overseas player.

The 33-year-old former Japanese international is set to leave J-League club Shimizu S-Pulse after falling out with coach Afshin Ghotbi and is attracted by a move to Western Sydney. Former German captain Michael Ballack, who has been linked with the club, is opting for a move abroad after leaving Bayer Leverkusen and is keen on joining the Wanderers but must first overcome hurdles such as wage demands, third-party payments and fitness concerns.

Meanwhile, Wanderers executive chairman Lyall Gorman has hinted that the club is also in pursuit of former Socceroos. The Wanderers will be looking to add depth to their slim midfield stocks and could snap up free agents Vince Grella and Jason Culina, who is training with Sydney FC. ''We've always said that there's room for the right player, if the right player comes along,'' Gorman said. ''Don't think that has to be a foreign player, there are plenty of local options. At some stage there are [Australian] players who will want to come back to the A-League.''

The Wanderers also must add one more player under the age of 21 to fulfil the minimum squad requirements ahead of the A-League season and will sign one of their youth triallists within the coming days.

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/sport/a-league...#ixzz27hu6MCGW

i'm not really too upset about this, but why two years?

[Pico]

Western Sydney Wanderers all set to sign Japanese star Shinji Ono
Jamie Pandaram
The Daily Telegraph
September 28, 2012 12:00AM


Japanese star Shinji Ono, pictured here tussling with Socceroo Brett Emerton at the 2006 World Cup, has been all but signed by the Western Sydney Wanderers. Source: AP

A FORMAL release from Japanese club Shimizu is all that is now required for star Shinji Ono to make a shock round one appearance for A-League newcomers Western Sydney Wanderers.

In a dramatic escalation, agents in Japan last night agreed to a $1.6 million, two-year deal that will see Ono become the third major international recruit for the A-League in an astonishing past fortnight that includes the signings of Alessandro Del Piero and Emile Heskey.

All that remains to seal the deal is for Shimizu to grant his release, which is expected given the player has been at odds with the team and openly explored other options.

It has come about extremely quickly and to have Ono running out in the Wanderers' shirt for their maiden match against Central Coast at Parramatta on Saturday week will be a huge boost to an already compelling opening round of the season.

Ono, who turned 33 yesterday, played against the Socceroos in the 2006 World Cup and has represented Japan 56 times. The attacking midfielder will add significant spark to the Wanderers and his experience, which includes the 1998, 2002 and 06 World Cups, will be invaluable to the new franchise.

A source close to the deal told News Limited last night that as well as the on-field impact Ono would have, his signing will help the Wanderers attract a new group of supporters.

"European football has been part of our heritage, but Asia is a big part of our future, and there is a large Asian contingent in western Sydney that needs someone to cheer for," the source said.

The signing of Ono will tap into the previously ignored Asian community of western Sydney, where Mandarin is the most common language spoken behind English.

Ono would be the Wanderers' sixth foreign signing on their roster. They are allowed seven.

Ono's arrival could also increase the value of the A-League's television rights in Japan, with a large number of fans sure to be following his transition to the new league.

Known as Tensai, the Japanese for "genius", Ono played a key role in the 2002 World Cup.

He has had stints at Feyenoord and Germany's Bochum, and played against Wanderers coach Tony Popovic in the J-League with his first professional club, Urawa Red Diamonds.

Ono's vision and famed through balls have made him one of Japan's most popular players. The recruitment of Ono will put an end to speculation that Germany's Michael Ballack was headed to the Wanderers.

While the Wanderers held initial talks with Ballack's representatives, no formal discussions progressed despite Ballack's camp claiming it was placing a deadline on the club.

Ono is seen as a better signing for the club because he will fit into their style of play and have a presence in the dressing room.

looks like Popa got his man, interesting about Ballack seems he was never that seriously looked at.

[Pico]

Wanderers get green light to increase quota of foreign stars

SHINJI ONO and another foreign marquee player could be on their way to Parramatta Stadium after the FFA and rival club owners announced that Western Sydney Wanderers are free to sign two foreign players outside of the regular quota.

The Joint A-League Strategic Committee has given the green light for the Wanderers to have seven foreign players in their squad throughout their first two seasons. The concession has been brought in only days before the new season kicks off to help ensure the Wanderers will be competitive during their infancy.

''The Joint A-League Strategic Committee adopted a position which was put to the FFA board and subsequently ratified that Western Sydney Wanderers FC could receive concessions to their foreign player quota for the club to recruit up to seven foreign players for their first two seasons,'' a FFA spokesman said.

''All Hyundai A-League stakeholders including FFA, the clubs, our broadcast partner, sponsors and fans would agree that the success of Western Sydney Wanderers FC is strategically important to the growth of the game.''
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The newcomers fulfilled the standard quota of five visa players earlier this month and are still one player short of the required minimum of 20 players. But, with two marquee positions still available and now granted the additional foreign player spots, they will be free to secure deals with Japanese star Ono and another overseas player.

The 33-year-old former Japanese international is set to leave J-League club Shimizu S-Pulse after falling out with coach Afshin Ghotbi and is attracted by a move to Western Sydney. Former German captain Michael Ballack, who has been linked with the club, is opting for a move abroad after leaving Bayer Leverkusen and is keen on joining the Wanderers but must first overcome hurdles such as wage demands, third-party payments and fitness concerns.

Meanwhile, Wanderers executive chairman Lyall Gorman has hinted that the club is also in pursuit of former Socceroos. The Wanderers will be looking to add depth to their slim midfield stocks and could snap up free agents Vince Grella and Jason Culina, who is training with Sydney FC. ''We've always said that there's room for the right player, if the right player comes along,'' Gorman said. ''Don't think that has to be a foreign player, there are plenty of local options. At some stage there are [Australian] players who will want to come back to the A-League.''

The Wanderers also must add one more player under the age of 21 to fulfil the minimum squad requirements ahead of the A-League season and will sign one of their youth triallists within the coming days.

http://www.smh.com.au/sport/a-league...#ixzz27hxTJzL7

Can see them going for culina, he's free, an ex jet, former socceroo, ws boy & SFC just signed Reid.

[Jeterpool]

Can see them going for culina, he's free, an ex jet, former socceroo, ws boy & SFC just signed Reid.

A player of his experience and calibre even being around the squad can only be a good thing for a young team and new club.

[Pico]

Newcastle Jets signing Emile Heskey a good chance to play in club's A-League season opener

Jamie Pandaram
The Daily Telegraph
September 28, 2012 12:00AM



Newcastle Jets signing Emile Heskey could play in the club's A-League opener against Adelaide. Source: AP

EMILE Heskey could be launched from the bench in Newcastle's A-League opener against Adelaide United.

The English star, who arrives this morning to begin his much-hyped stint in Australian soccer, will meet with the Jets' footballing staff including coach Gary van Egmond before a plan is devised to get Heskey fit for the first match on October 7.

"One hundred per cent I would love him to play in round one, whether he is starting or coming off the bench, whichever way it might turn out, we will know a lot more by Saturday," van Egmond said.

"We will work from there.

"We all can't wait to be learning from him, and to be contributing to him also.

"First and foremost, we need to sit down and have a chat with him and start to work out what he needs.

"He knows his body better than anybody else."

It will take delicate treatment to ensure the 34-year-old does not overburden his body just nine days after a 24-hour flight from England, although the anticipation in Newcastle of seeing Heskey in action will be immense.Already the first lot of Jets jerseys with Heskey's name imprinted on the back have sold out, leading the club to order a further 5000.

Van Egmond is expecting some breathtaking moments of magic this season from Heskey, one of only 23 players to have scored over 100 goals in the Premier League.

"There are times as a coach when you're on the sideline, certain players do something that stops time," van Egmond said.

"A couple of times Joel Griffiths did something a little bit extraordinary, I remember Nicky Carle scoring a goal early on, hopefully there are a few moments like that from Emile.

"The fans will be dying to see him out there in the red and blue."

Heskey joins the Jets after playing 28 Premier League games for Aston Villa last season.

"Having played in England all my career something just popped up and I liked the look of it," Heskey said.

"I had promised myself if as long as I could play in the Premier League I would; if I couldn't I'd try myself abroad and this came up - which was brilliant."

Meanwhile, Socceroos striker Alex Brosque has joined United Arab Emirates club Al Ain from Japan's Shimizu.

A spokesman for Al Ain said: "We are delighted to announce the signing of Alex Brosque.

"He fits the bill of exactly what we have been looking for. "He is a quality player and has a proven track record in Asian football.

"He creates as well as scores goals and we firmly believe he will be a big asset for the club.

"He gives the coach greater tactical flexibility and allow him to come up with difference game plans for different opposition."

Brosque scored 17 goals in 90 appearances in the J-League for Shimizu, who he joined after a successful six-year stint with Sydney FC, which included winning the premiership in 2010.

Here's hoping he'll be ready for kick off against Adelaide.

[Tommyjet]

Can't wait to watch him boss some of the central defenders in this comp who think they are above everyone ( zwansdick, sigmund etc)

And yet another shite move by a socceroo to the petro- dollars. Only one I'd pick out of that area would be king bresc

[Jetmaster]

This guy seems to have his finger on the pulse.....

De Bohun not worried about Tinkler

New A-League head Damien de Bohun has no fear Nathan Tinkler's reported financial issues will impact on the Newcastle Jets.

Mining magnate Tinkler, who owns the Jets, the NRL's Newcastle Knights and horseracing operation Patinack Farm, has lost approximately $730 million in the past 12 months according to the latest edition of the BRW Young Rich List.

If Tinkler's losses are as severe as reported he'll still have a hefty personal fortune of around $400 million but the news is likely to make some fans nervous going into the new season, which kicks off next week.

But De Bohun believes the Jets are on an upward trajectory and has only got positive things to say about the club, highlighted by the ambitious signing of former England striker Emile Heskey as their marquee player for the 2012-2013 campaign.

"I'm very confident in what they're doing," De Bohun told AAP.

"There's a lot of speculation about a lot of things in football and in public life.

"From our perspective we've spent a lot of time with Newcastle and what they're doing to build a strong football club is fantastic.

"If you have a look at what they're doing behind the scenes, they've established an emerging Jets programme this year and at the other end of the extreme they've gone out and secured Emile Heskey as a marquee player.

"As far as we're concerned we're looking forward to them being a vibrant part of the A-League.

"From our perspective we're confident they're heading in the right direction."

[belchardo]

soooooo....this tv deal, was supposed to be signed 'this week' a few weeks ago.

we now have 7 days till the season kicks off.

if the FTA part is true, surely they would have to announce it soon so SBS (or whoever) can get advertising.

anybody seen anything further?

[hawk]

soemthing that might help in Asian CL and Socceroos games where we are continually out foxed by clever attacks who know how to hit the ground.

100%

[seldom]

Heskey to play 1st round...Boogs to be sent trying to contain him

[GazFish35]

Heskey to play 1st round...Boogs to be sent trying to contain him

Tiago to get sent for lashing out at boogs as he walks to the sheds.

[furns]

soooooo....this tv deal, was supposed to be signed 'this week' a few weeks ago.

we now have 7 days till the season kicks off.

if the FTA part is true, surely they would have to announce it soon so SBS (or whoever) can get advertising.

anybody seen anything further?

HAL component according to most reports takes effect next season. With the exception of a single report that was generally rubbished as bullshit by the head of SBS.

[Jetmaster]

Gallery in Herald this morning....

http://www.theherald.com.au/story/36...r-jets/?cs=391

Look at slide 4 - Jobe looks in total awe !!!!

[Thomas477]

Hutcho has been named captain of the central coast.

FFS, surely after the incident with Bridgey no one can take him seriously?