With kick-off in the Newcastle Jets’ Hyundai A-League 2015/16 campaign just one day away, we took time out to hear from some of the people who know the squad best, Scott Miller’s staff.
Luke Robbs caught up with four key people at the Club — Jets Senior Assistant Coach Jean-Paul de Marginy, Goalkeeper Coach Jess Vanstrattan, Physiotherapist Justin Dougherty, and Equipment Manager Brent Anderson, to find out how the team is shaping up and what they’re doing in the lead-up to the clash with Wellington Phoenix.
Jean-Paul de Marginy: Senior Assistant Coach
Assistant to Miller, de Marginy is one of the most experienced and respected coaches in Australia. He was Assistant Coach at Melbourne Victory last season when Kevin Muscat’s side won the Championship.
Just a few days to go until the Club’s opening clash with the Wellington Phoenix, what is left to do in your preparation?
We’ve got the presentation of the set-pieces, so we have got to make sure that that is all organised and done. That will be done in Sydney before we fly out and then we’ll present after training [in New Zealand].
What has it been like working with Scott Miller?
It’s exciting. We’d never met each other before but it’s amazing how we’re on the same wavelength with the same philosophy. I have really enjoyed the last three months and I think we’ve taken good steps forward.
How has pre-season gone and how is the team shaping up?
I think they’ve [the players] come a long way from the first training session we did. Their attitude towards their work has been top notch and very professional, and their mentality towards their work is very good. That’s why we feel that they have come a long way.
Jess Vanstrattan: Goalkeeper Coach
The former Gold Coast United custodian and first Australian to make an appearance for Italian giants Juventus believes the new season is shaping up nicely for the Jets.
Just a few days to go until the Club’s opening clash with the Wellington Phoenix, what is left to do in your preparation?
The vast majority of my work has been done now. We’re training today [in New Zealand] but we’ve already done all the work. Both keepers [Mark Birighitti & Ben Kennedy] are ready to go. We’ve had a good pre-season and they both look really sharp so it’s just about getting them in right frame of mind.
What has it been like working with Scott Miller?
Working with Scott has been quality. He’s brought a lot of good things to the Club and there is a level of professional and expectation been set. That standard goes for everyone, players and staff, and it’s a good building block to work from.
How has pre-season gone and how is the team shaping up?
The unity of the group is really good and in my entire career I haven’t seen many teams gel as well as this one has. Any teams that I’ve been lucky enough to be successful with have those kind of relationships which has given me a good feeling about this season. I can’t wait until Sunday.
Justin Dougherty – Physiotherapist
Justin Dougherty is the Club’s physiotherapist and the first port of call when it comes to the physical health of the players.
Just a few days to go until the Club’s opening clash with the Wellington Phoenix, what is left to do in your preparation?
From my perspective it’s just about getting the boys physically ready and making sure when they go onto the park they’re at 100 per cent. I’ve not had too many issues in the pre-season and we’ve not had a lot of injuries which has been good for us.
What has it been like working with Scott Miller?
Working with Scott has been unbelievable. Scott and JP (Jean-Paul de Marginy) have brought a new level to the club in terms of professionalism. That’s driven everyone internally and the staff and players have responded very positively.
How has pre-season gone and how is the team shaping up?
For me this is the most confident I’ve felt going into a season and again the professionalism that the coaches have shown has helped us feel the most prepared we’ve ever felt. We’ve had a good and measured pre-season and the team is in very good shape going into the first round.
Brent Anderson – Equipment Manager
Equipment Manager Brent Anderson has been with the club for nine years and he says that this season is shaping up to be one of the best Jets supporters have seen in while.
Just a few days to go until the Club’s opening clash with the Wellington Phoenix, what is left to do in your preparation?
At this point all I’ve got to do is pack and crosscheck all the gear we’re taking. I need to pack up all the kits, all the balls and all the other bits and pieces so the boys have everything they need for training and match day in Wellington.
What has it been like working with Scott Miller?
Working with Scott has been great. He’s come from Fulham and he’s been involved with the Socceroos set up so he’s raised the level of professionalism. As such he brought with him high expectations and everyone has lifted to that.
How has pre-season gone and how is the team shaping up?
The pre-season has been great and the team is looking really good. It’s been a long pre-season and we’ve been getting on and having a lot of games which is what pre-season is about. The boys have spent quite a bit of time together on the road. But they’ve not only worked hard on the field and they’ve spent a lot of time out and about in the community and they’re ready to put in the performances on the park now. Hopefully everyone gets out there and gets behind them.
