“With more than 10,000 Jets members and an average crowd this season over 12,000 HSG has demonstrated its ability to engage with the community and to run a successful team and club.”
Football Federation Australia (FFA) and Hunter Sports Group (HSG) have today reaffirmed their commitment to working together for the good of the Newcastle Jets, the Hyundai A-League and football in the Hunter Valley.
The announcement follows talks that have resolved various issues related to the operation of the Hyundai A-League licence held by HSG. As a result, the Newcastle Jets under the ownership of HSG will continue to participate in the Hyundai A-League.
FFA Chairman, Mr Frank Lowy AC, and HSG Chairman, Mr Nathan Tinkler, held face-to-face talks over the weekend. Mr Lowy said the discussions were characterised by goodwill brought to the table by both parties.
“It was a good opportunity for Nathan and I to meet face-to-face and resolve the issues that had affected the relationship between FFA and HSG,” said Mr Lowy. “FFA has made some concessions in good faith in order to resolve the matters.
“When Nathan first took on the Newcastle Jets, I welcomed his commitment to running a strong and successful A-League club in Newcastle on behalf of the community of the Hunter region.
“Today, my confidence is renewed over Nathan-s personal drive to make the Jets and the Hyundai A-League successful. We agreed on a way forward that addresses the issues HSG have raised and we are now going to get on with developing the game together in a key region for football.
“With more than 10,000 Jets members and an average crowd this season over 12,000 HSG has demonstrated its ability to engage with the community and to run a successful team and club.”
Mr Tinkler said that from time to time parties in any business will have differences, but that there is now an opportunity for FFA and HSG to work together in achieving shared goals.
“Frank Lowy flew to Brisbane to meet with me face-to-face and I took that as a sign of goodwill,” said Mr Tinkler.
“It was a gesture I certainly appreciated.
“I welcomed the opportunity to meet and discuss these issues in person. We now have a way forward and I remain committed to ensuring the Newcastle Jets is one of the most successful clubs in the Hyundai A-League.
“I am delighted to be able to support the Newcastle Jets on behalf of football fans in the Hunter region and to continue to build a strong relationship with the community.
“When I first made this commitment I did it on behalf of the community and I am committed to further developing football and sport in a community I grew up in and am proud of.”
