The Newcastle Jets this afternoon confirm the signing of experienced defender Angelo Costanzo on a one-year deal. The 32-year-old will join the Jets once his current club, Adelaide United, have completed their 2009 Finals Series campaign.
The Newcastle Jets this afternoon confirm the signing of experienced defender Angelo Costanzo on a one-year deal. The 32-year-old will join the Jets once his current club, Adelaide United, have completed their 2009 Finals Series campaign.
Costanzo has been a prominent figure in Australian football for some 13 years, starring for the likes of Adelaide City and Marconi in the National Soccer League competition before making his mark in the Hyundai A-League with Adelaide United.
In his time at the Reds, Costanzo has developed a reputation as a powerful defender and a fierce competitor which has made him a key component in Adelaide reaching the Hyundai A-League Grand Final in 2006/07 and the AFC Champions League Final in 2008.
Indeed, his experience in Asia makes him an ideal recruit for the club as it embarks on its first foray into the AFC Champions League. The Hunter based club will take on Beijing Guoan at Beijing Workers Stadium in one month to the day, and has strengthened its squad considerably since the conclusion of the Hyundai A-League 2008/09 regular season.
Ten players in the Jets- registered contingent for the new competition will be new additions brought into the team after its Round 21 loss to Sydney FC on Sunday, 25 January.
“Angelo is obviously a seasoned professional who will bring a great deal of experience and leadership to our playing group,” club CEO John Tsatsimas said today.
“We believe that he will compliment the squad which we already have here in Newcastle, and the group we now have for the Champions League is a considerably strong one.”
“Our club now has a nice blend of youth and experience within our playing ranks which will be of great benefit leading into such a competitive tournament as the Champions League. The new recruits that we have brought in will certainly bring an injection of something new to our club,” he said.
Angelo Costanzo Profile
Date of Birth: 9 May 1976
Place of Birth: Adelaide, Australia
Position: Central Defender/Midfielder
Playing History
Year Club Appearances (Goals)
1995-2002 Adelaide City 127 (0)
2000-2004 Marconi Stallions 90 (3)
2005-2009 Adelaide United 73 (0)
Honours
• 2005/06 Hyundai A-League Premiers (Adelaide United)
• 2008 AFC Champions League finalist (Adelaide United)
• 6 Socceroos caps, 1 goal
