Jobe Wheelhouse says he is excited with the way the Jets’ squad is beginning to take shape.
Hunter Ports Newcastle Jets midfielder Jobe Wheelhouse says he is excited with the way the Jets- squad is beginning to take shape ahead of the 2012/13 A-League season.
Newcastle have already recruited the likes of James Brown, Mark Birighitti, Joshua Brillante, Craig Goodwin, Scott Neville, Mitchell Oxborrow and Adam Taggart.
With the Club starting pre-season training today, Wheelhouse said he was looking forward to getting to know his new teammates and building on-field combinations with them.
“There-s a lot of young exciting players that have played at youth level for Australia that we-ve signed so they-re obviously good players and that-s why they-ve been brought here,” Wheelhouse said.
“Obviously Gary and the coaching staff have recruited the players that they think we need to challenge for titles.
“I think there-s still a few spots, including visa spots that need to be filled and I would say a fair bit of experience will come with those players.
“We-ve had a lot of younger boys come in and it-s refreshing, that-s for sure.”
Wheelhouse said that building the squad-s depth in key positions was an important factor for on-field success.
“We had a fair few midfielders last year and there was always good competition for spots,” he said.
“I think with Taylor Regan, Nikolai Topor-Stanley, Tiago and a few other boys they-ve brought in, the defence looks quite strong.
“We may need to bring in a couple of people in the front third… If we can gel together from midfield into attack I think we-ll be a much stronger side and as I said with a few of the visa spots to be filled, I think they will add a lot.”
Wheelhouse said a big focus of the pre-season will involve the new recruits being brought up to speed with the up-tempo playing philosophy of Jets head coach Gary van Egmond.
“Obviously it-s a very young team and it-s going to be based on a running style of play,” Wheelhouse said.
“We-ll try and keep the ball as best we can, like we tried last year and that-s the way he wants us to play.
“I think with the players he has brought in the enthusiasm is right up there and we-ll definitely be a top six team this year.”
