In this week’s edition of Jets Insider, CEO Robbie Middleby answered questions submitted by the Club’s Members and supporters.
In this week’s edition of Jets Insider, CEO Robbie Middleby answered questions submitted by the Club’s Members and supporters.
Middleby answered questions about Emile Heskey’s knee injury, the recent Active Support Forum and the long term future of the Club.
@samnizzi asks via Twitter: Hey Robbie, When will you have info on the Heskey injury?
Robbie Middleby (RM): Unfortunately the results of Emile-s scans today have revealed he-ll be out for six weeks with a Grade 2 medial ligament strain in his left knee.
A full injury update is available HERE.
Tyler Lawrence asks via email: Do you think we have the depth to cover for Emile-s injury?
RM: There-s no denying that Emile is a very important player for the team, but in saying that we have a lot of depth in the squad this season, especially in the attacking third.
Adam Taggart can play in that number nine role and so can Joey Gibbs and Michael Bridges.
We can also shuffle a few players around in that front third with guys like Nathan Burns, James Virgili, Craig Goodwin and James Brown all good attacking options.
@trystanxb asks via Twitter: Is James Virgili ready for consistent first-team action yet?
RM: I think so. The form he showed at points last season and what he-s done this pre-season has been outstanding and very encouraging.
With the depth that we-ve got in the squad, every player is fighting for their position in the first XI, but James is certainly putting forward a very strong case with the way he is playing at the moment.
@thewestbury69 via Twitter: Can you give us a news update with the Newcastle Jets- 2013/14 kits?
RM: Our official kit supplier, ISC have advised that the Newcastle Jets- 2013/14 Home and Away Heritage strips will be delivered the first week of October.
This date may come forward so keep an eye out online for any updated on release of the new gear. In the meantime, Jets Members and supporters can pre-order their strips by CLICKING HERE.
In particular we-re really looking forward to launching our new emerald and cinnamon away strip.
It was great to be able to give our loyal Members the opportunity to have a say on what away strip their team will proudly wear during the 2013/14 Hyundai A-League season and we think they made a great choice.
Kristen Collins asks via email: Were you pleased with how the Active Support forum went and can you see it helping grow Active Support at Jets games?
RM: We were very pleased with how it went and we think some very important points were raised at the forum in regards to Active Support.
We-ve already taken the step of implementing Bay 1 as a ‘Home Active Support- Bay. Bay 2 will remain as the home of the Squadron and the place that houses the Club-s most vocal and Active Supporters. Bay 1 will be the ideal location for those fans interested in getting a feel for Active Support, learning the songs and steadily integrating themselves into the Squadron.
It-s always good to engage with your Members and supporters and the Active Support forum was a chance to hear their thoughts and feedback.
We-re confident the forum was an important step forward in helping to grow our Active Support base and creating a fantastic atmosphere at Hunter Stadium on match day.
@GaryFishNewy asks via Twitter: Tony Pignata said we’d hear from our club this morning about buying away tickets for the first round match. Did I miss the email?
Newcastle Jets Members will have a pre-purchase period for buying tickets for the October 11 and November 30 fixtures against Sydney FC at Allianz Stadium.
Until 8pm today, Newcastle Jets Members can purchase tickets HERE using a special code contained in the Jets Insider email.
All pre-purchase ticket holders are entitled to free public transport from Newcastle to Allianz Stadium and back on game day, including the Moore Park Shuttle Bus from Central Station.
Two sections will be available for Jets Members and fans, with the Active Away Bays at the Southern end of the stadium, and a non-active Away Bay in the Eastern Stand Bay 37.
We-re looking forward to seeing a large contingent of away supporters for our matches in Sydney this season, especially the season opener on October 11.
@tim2790 asks via Twitter: Where do you see the Club in the next five to 10 years and do you see the Club winning another title in that period?
RM: We-ve completed a strategic long-term plan for the Club and I definitely believe we-ll be in a stronger position and challenging for titles in the coming years.
With the Emerging Jets program now in place, and the culture we-re building at the Club, we-re confident the Newcastle Jets have a very bright future.
Michael Peters asks via email: How would you sum up the first year of the Emerging Jets program now that it has finished?
RM: It was a very positive first year. We had four Emerging Jets teams win their respective Grand Finals and on behalf of the Club I-d like to congratulate them on a fantastic season.
There were still some teething issues, especially with it being a three-way partnership between Northern NSW Football, Football Federation Australia and ourselves.
However, as we work through those issues, I only see the program getting bigger and better in the future.
Paul Jones asks via email: What sort of impact do you think Kew Jaliens will make this season?
RM: I think he-ll make a hugs impact, especially with the experience he has and being able to serve as a mentor and role model for the young players in the team.
Especially in defence, to have someone with that experience and leadership skills is vital for success.
Gareth Clarke asks via email: How important will the Speers Point football facility be for Newcastle?
RM: I think it will be very beneficial for football in the region and that-s why we-ve come out and supported Northern NSW ‘s push to get a facility like that from day one.
It-s something that football in the Hunter region has been in need of for a long time and to have the government-s support is great for the game.
Thank you for all your Jets Insider questions! Make sure you follow @NewcastleJetsFC on Twitter to find out who will be answering questions from Members and supporters next week!