Originally Posted by
stopper2
From todays Newcastle Herald
Ray Baartz believes Dundee United chairman Stephen Thompson ideal for Jets
NEWCASTLE football icon Ray Baartz believes Dundee United chairman Stephen Thompson is the "perfect fit" to take over as Jets owner and has urged Football Federation Australia to fast-track a deal with the multi-millionaire Scotsman.
Thompson has been in Newcastle this week meeting with potential stake-holders who might be interested in forming a consortium to take over the city's A-League franchise after the demise of one-time billionaire Nathan Tinkler two weeks ago.
Baartz had coffee with Thompson on Thursday and was impressed with what he was proposing for the Jets.
The Socceroos legend, who spent almost five years as chairman of the Jets during Tinkler's tenure before resigning in January, stressed that he had no plans for future involvement and just wanted the best outcome for the embattled club.
"It was the first time I'd met him, and I can honestly say I was very impressed," Baartz told the Newcastle Herald.
"He's a guy that's got genuine interest in taking over the club.
"He's got proven expertise in running football clubs. He's got the track record.
"He seems to me to be the perfect fit, because his philosophy is all about giving local kids a go, developing players and embracing the community.
"That's what he's done at Dundee United. He's turned that club around and he wants the chance to help the Jets do the same."
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The majority shareholder at Dundee United, Thompson inherited the chairman's position from his late father, Eddie, in 2008 and six years later had wiped out the club's £4 million ($8 million) debt.
Baartz said his impression was that FFA, which has stepped in to manage the Jets on an interim basis, was keeping Thompson at arm's length in the hope that other alternatives might emerge.
"This guy's fair dinkum, and I just think FFA need to show a little bit more enthusiasm," Baartz said.
"I know FFA are keen to see what else is out there, but we've been down the track where it was all about finding an owner based on money.
"They're obviously looking at all their options, but as far as I'm aware, he's the only option so far."
Baartz said Thompson's philosophy reminded him of the founding days of Newcastle's inaugural National Soccer League side, KB United, back in the 1970s.
He acknowledged that five years ago Tinkler was also hailed as a potential saviour, but said the "big difference" was Thompson's background in football.
"I think Nathan being there, we needed him at the time," Baartz said. "We didn't have any other options, but he probably ended up staying too long, for a number of reasons.
"Now the club has to move in a different direction and I think this is an opportunity that should be explored with a bit more enthusiasm."
After a 60-year involvement in Newcastle football, Baartz said he had "been there, done that" and had no desire for any hands-on role with the Jets' next incarnation.
"I'll always support the team, but I'm busy enough looking after my grandkids," he said.
Search for coach continues
By JAMES GARDINER
THE search for a new Jets coach will continue at least into next week.
Football Federation Australia confirmed on Friday that it had held talks with Fox Sports analyst Mark Rudan but revealed others were in the mix. It is understood the FFA is committed to having a head coach and assistants in place before the squad assemble for pre-season training on June 22.
Tony Vidmar, Damian Mori, Paul Okon and local hopefuls Mark Jones and Clayton Zane have been touted as candidates.
Rudan remains the frontrunner, but the Herald understands that negotiations have stalled between him and FFA.
Meanwhile, the bulk of the Jets’ 15 players are expected to sign new contracts with Football Federation Australia by early next week.
FFA and the players union signed an agreement on Monday guaranteeing that outstanding entitlements from Nathan Tinkler would be met.
The Herald understands like-for-like contracts to the deals the players were on were issued on Friday.
All bar keeper Mark Birighitti, who has been on loan at Italian Serie B club Varese, are expected to accept. The 24-year-old gloveman is now a free agent and his preference is to stay in Europe.
^^^^
Seriously Ray just keep your mouth shut!!!
FFA are doing their due diligence now (we hope) to ensure the same mistakes are not repeated again by just jumping into bed with the first "white knight" to announce they want to own the Jets. To urge FFA to "fast track" the process and give Thompson control of the Jets shows just how out of touch Baartz has become and it is little wonder the club was run how it was when he was Chairman.
There should be no time-frame on getting the right ownership in place, we have to get it right this time and so be it if in due course Thompson does take a part in the running of the club, but for now NO MORE RASH DECISIONS MADE IN HASTE BECAUSE ON THE SURFACE THEY APPEAR A GREAT THING TO DO!!!
