The Newcastle Jets A-League 2007-08 season was their most successful A-League season. They defeated Central Coast Mariners 1-0 in their first Grand Final, winning the Championship and qualifying for the AFC Champions League 2009.
During the pre-season, former Jets CEO George Liolio was replaced by Newcastle solicitor John Tsatsimas.[1]
Defender Jade North has been named as the captain for the season.[2]
The Newcastle Jets lost several of their most notable players for the 2007-08 season. Nick Carle moved overseas to play with Gençlerbirliği in order to improve his chances of selection for the Socceroos.[3][4] The Jets received a transfer fee of A$650,000 for the talented midfielder. Paul Okon retired due to his inability to keep up at training.[5] Milton Rodriguez went back to his native Colombia after he failed to come to a new agreement with the Jets,[6] apparently asking more money than the Jets were prepared to pay. Three New Zealand players, Tim Brown, Steven Old and Vaughan Coveny decided to join with the new Kiwi outfit Wellington Phoenix.[7][8]
Gary van Egmond took a trip to South America to try to find replacements for lost squad members.[9] Argentinian attacking midfielder Livio Prieto and Brazilian forward Flavio Barros agreed to terms with the Jets as a result of the scouting trip but later reneged on their agreements.[6] However the trip wasn't entirely useless with Argentinian forward Jorge Drovandi and a Brazilian midfielder Denni Rocha dos Santos signing for the club.[10][11]
Three new Australians also joined the club. Joel Griffiths' twin brother Adam Griffiths was signed from English club Brentford to bolster the defence,[12] Scott Tunbridge from Scottish outfit Hamilton Academical and Noel Spencer from Sydney FC (where he had been playing on a short-term deal after being ditched by the Mariners).[13]
The club officially announced on 14 August 2007 that Brazilian Mário Jardel who has won the European Golden Boot award twice, would be joining the side as a marquee player.[14][15]
Another late signing was announced before Round 4, with former Socceroo Stephen Laybutt joining the club.[16]
Liberian striker Boima Karpeh trialled with the Jets in September 2007 but was not signed. He was expected to be signed on an injury waiver for Steve Eagleton.[17][18]
AIS midfielder James Holland was signed on a short term contract for Round 8 to cover for Stuart Musialik who was away on national duty with the Olyroos. Holland impressed on his A-League debut and scored the opening goal for the Jets against the Wellington Phoenix. He was then signed for a further 1 week before returning to the AIS.
On 22 October Gary van Egmond revealed that Drovandi and Tunbridge had been given permission to look for new clubs, stating that they did not fit into the Jet's setup.[19] Drovandi later agreed to terminate his contract allowing the Jets to sign James Holland for the remainder of the season.[20] The talented midfielder also signed for the following two years.[21]
In January 2008 the club signed promising young midfielder Ben Kantarovski to a four year contract.[22] The club also announced that they were in the process of obtaining a visa for South Korean youth international Song Jin-Hyung and that he would be signed on a two year contract.[23]
| Name | Position | From (Club) | Date Joined | Debut |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Noel Spencer | Midfield | Sydney FC | 7 May 2007 | Round 1 |
| Adam Griffiths | Defender | Brentford | 17 May 2007 | Round 1 |
| Jorge Drovandi | Forward | Rosario Central | 2 August 2007 | Round 1 |
| Denni | Midfield | Santo André | 17 August 2007 | Round 1 |
| Scott Tunbridge | Forward | Hamilton Academical | 4 July 2007 | Round 11 |
| Mário Jardel | Forward | Anorthosis | 13 August 2007 | Round 4 |
| Ben McNamara | Goalkeeper | Lake Macquarie City | 18 August 2007 | Uncapped |
| Jason Hoffman | Forward | Hamilton Olympic | 30 August 2007 | Round 2 |
| Stephen Laybutt | Defender | Gent | 30 August 2007 | Round 6 |
| James Holland | Midfield | AIS | 14 October 2007[24] | Round 8 |
| Ben Kantarovski | Midfield | Broadmeadow Magic | 12 January 2008 | Uncapped |
| Song Jin-Hyung | Midfield | FC Seoul | 18 January 2008 | Semi Final (2nd leg) |
| Name | Position | To (Club) | Date Left |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milton Rodriguez | Forward | América de Cali | Start of season |
| Tim Brown | Midfield | Wellington Phoenix | Start of season |
| Labinot Haliti | Forward | Slaven | Start of season |
| Tony Faria | Midfield | Released | Start of season |
| Tolgay Özbey | Forward | Blacktown City | Start of season |
| Steven Old | Defender | Wellington Phoenix | Start of season |
| Vaughan Coveny | Forward | Wellington Phoenix | Start of season |
| Nick Carle | Midfield | Gençlerbirliği | Start of season |
| Paul Okon | Defender | Retired | Start of season |
| Ivan Necevski | Goalkeeper | Sydney FC | Start of season |
| Shane Webb | Defender | Released | Start of season |
| Jorge Drovandi | Forward | Unknown | 4 December 2007 |
Note: Flags indicate national team as has been defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
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| Team | Pts | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | BP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adelaide United | 8 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 3 | 3 |
| Perth Glory | 8 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| Newcastle Jets | 3 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 0 |
| Melbourne Victory | 1 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 0 |
| 14 July 2007 14:30 UTC+10 |
Newcastle Jets | 0 – 1 | Perth Glory | Port Macquarie Regional Stadium Attendance: 2,700 Referee: James Lewis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Report | Harnwell 48' |
The bumpy ground at Port Macquarie caused troubles for both teams. New signings Scott Tunbridge, Adam Griffiths and Noel Spencer started for the Jets. The game was drawed nil all at half time but Jamie Harnwell won the game for the Glory early in the second half.
| 22 July 2007 14:00 UTC+10 |
Melbourne Victory | 0 – 1 | Newcastle Jets | Skilled Stadium Attendance: 8,500 Referee: Ben Williams |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Report | Wheelhouse 51' |
The Jets managed to come back from Victoria with 3 points. Midfielder Jobe Wheelhouse knocked home a 51st minute Joel Griffiths free kick to give the Jets the win.
| 27 July 2007 19:30 UTC+9:30 |
Adelaide United | 4 – 1 | Newcastle Jets | Hindmarsh Stadium Attendance: 3,800 Referee: Craig Zetter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burns 6' Djite 66' Sarkies 80' (pen) Alagich 86' |
Report | Bridge 69' A. Griffiths 79' J. Griffiths 90+2' (pen) |
Adelaide demolished Newcastle in a game full of penalties and cards, not many of which seemed to go the Jets way. Adelaide was four up through four different players before the Jets finally scored a consolation penalty goal in the dying moments of the game despite only having 9 players on the field.
| 4 August 2007 19:30 UTC+10 |
Newcastle Jets | 3 – 2 | Sydney FC | Parramatta Stadium Attendance: 2,611 Referee: Peter Green |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| J. Griffiths 5', 76' Tunbridge 56' |
Report | Zadkovich 79' Talay 83' |
The Jets managed their second win of pre-season despite a late comeback from Sydney FC. Argentinian Jorge Drovandi got his first taste of Australian football, playing for 50 minutes of the game. The ever impressive Joel Griffiths scored a brace for the Jets and Scott Tunbridge was gifted a goal after a mix-up in the Sydney defence. Despite Sydney playing poorly for most of the game they managed to score two late goals.
| 10 August 2007 19:30 UTC+12 |
Wellington Phoenix | 0 – 0 | Newcastle Jets | Westpac Stadium Attendance: 5,174 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Report | ||||
| Penalties | ||||
| Smeltz Aloisi Christie Johnson |
2 – 4 | J. Griffiths Bridge Thompson Elrich |
A close game that resulted in another nil all draw. Both sides had plenty of chances but failed to capitalize. Joel Griffiths put the ball into the net but was ruled offside. Jets goalkeeper Ante Čović produced two saves during the penalty shootout to see the Jets finish the pre-season in 5th position.
| # | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Central Coast Mariners | 21 | 10 | 4 | 7 | 30 | 25 | +5 | 34 |
| 2 | Newcastle Jets | 21 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 25 | 21 | +4 | 34 |
| 3 | Sydney FC | 21 | 8 | 8 | 5 | 28 | 24 | +4 | 32 |
| 4 | Queensland Roar | 21 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 25 | 21 | +4 | 31 |
| 5 | Melbourne Victory | 21 | 6 | 9 | 6 | 29 | 29 | 0 | 27 |
| 6 | Adelaide United | 21 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 31 | 29 | +2 | 26 |
| 7 | Perth Glory | 21 | 4 | 8 | 9 | 27 | 34 | -7 | 20 |
| 8 | Wellington Phoenix | 21 | 5 | 5 | 11 | 25 | 37 | -12 | 20 |
| 26 August 2007 15:00 UTC+8 |
Perth Glory | 0 – 0 | Newcastle Jets | Members Equity Stadium Attendance: 8,508 Referee: Simon Przydacz |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Report Summary |
A scrappy game in the Western Australian capital resulted in a nil all draw. South American imports Denni and Jorge Drovandi both made their A-League debuts. Jobe Wheelhouse was rewarded with a start after a convincing pre-season. Gary van Egmond was pleased to come away from Perth with a point.
| 2 September 2007 17:00 UTC+10 |
Newcastle Jets | 1 – 1 | Queensland Roar | EnergyAustralia Stadium Attendance: 13,144 Referee: Simon Przydacz |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| J. Griffiths 88' | Report Summary |
Reinaldo 70' McLaren 42', 85' |
A large crowd turned up to see the Jets play their first home game of the season at EnergyAustralia Stadium. Jets playmaker Denni made more of an impression than the previous week, showing off his fancy footwork. Queensland opened the scoring in the 70th minute through striker Reinaldo when the Jets defence was caught off-guard. The Roar's captain McLaren was sent off after bringing down hardworking Jets player Joel Griffiths on the edge of the penalty box. Griffiths equalised the scoring with a classy free kick from the resulting set-piece.
| 9 September 2007 17:00 UTC+12 |
Wellington Phoenix | 0 – 1 | Newcastle Jets | Westpac Stadium Attendance: 11,478 Referee: Peter O'Leary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Report Summary |
Thompson 77' |
The Jets were without Stuart Musialik and Mark Bridge who were away on national duty. Although Wellington put the Jets under a lot of pressure the Jets managed to steal a victory. Goalkeeper Ante Čović continued his good form and again kept the Jets in the game with a number of fine saves. A free kick late in the game by Matt Thompson took a huge deflection off the foot of Jets defender Adam Griffiths and found the back of the net. Thompson was awarded the goal despite Griffiths claiming the flick-on was intentional. The win lifted the Jets clear of the middle of the table to 2nd.
| 15 September 2007 19:00 UTC+10 |
Newcastle Jets | 1 – 0 | Adelaide United | EnergyAustralia Stadium Attendance: 13,627 Referee: Angelo Nardi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bridge 81' | Report Summary |
This game marked the debut of Brazilian superstar Mário Jardel who was welcomed loudly by the home crowd when he came on as a substitute in the 71st minute. Mark Bridge scored a superb goal, his second of the week after playing for the Olyroos. Midfielder Denni was pulled from the pitch in the first half after coach Gary van Egmond felt he was losing the ball too often.
| 21 September 2007 20:00 UTC+10 |
Newcastle Jets | 2 – 2 | Melbourne Victory | EnergyAustralia Stadium Attendance: 11,179 Referee: Matthew Breeze |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A. Griffiths 3' Musialik 21' |
Report Summary |
Thompson 65' Caceres 83' |
| 29 September 2007 19:00 UTC+10 |
Sydney FC | 1 – 0 | Newcastle Jets | Sydney Football Stadium Attendance: 13, 755 Referee: Craig Zetter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brosque 36' | Report Summary |
| 7 October 2007 17:00 UTC+10 |
Central Coast Mariners | 1 – 1 | Newcastle Jets | Bluetongue Stadium Attendance: 12,622 Referee: Matthew Breeze |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pondeljak 62' | Report Summary |
Bridge 82' |
| 14 October 2007 15:00 UTC+10 |
Newcastle Jets | 2 – 1 | Wellington Phoenix | EnergyAustralia Stadium Attendance: 11,947 Referee: Ben Williams |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Holland 17' J. Griffiths 40' |
Report Summary |
Old 90+4' |
| 19 October 2007 20:00 UTC+10 |
Newcastle Jets | 1 – 1 | Queensland Roar | EnergyAustralia Stadium Attendance: 12,326 Referee: Mark Shield |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| J. Griffiths 47' (pen) | Report Summary |
Kruse 1' |
| 26 October 2007 20:00 UTC+10 |
Melbourne Victory | 0 – 2 | Newcastle Jets | Telstra Dome Attendance: 27,123 Referee: Matthew Breeze |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pantelidis 66' | Report Summary |
A. Griffiths 8' J. Griffiths 88' |
This match included some great work from the Griffiths brothers who both managed to score.
| 3 November 2007 19:00 UTC+11 |
Newcastle Jets | 0 – 1 | Sydney FC | EnergyAustralia Stadium Attendance: 16,433 Referee: Matthew Breeze |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Report Summary |
Bridges 69' |
| 9 November 2007 20:00 UTC+11 |
Newcastle Jets | 1 – 4 | Perth Glory | EnergyAustralia Stadium Attendance: 8,122 Referee: Peter Green |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| J. Griffiths 49' | Report Summary |
Durante 25' (own) J. Simpson 51' Rukavytsya 63' 90' |
| 18 November 2007 18:30 UTC+10:30 |
Adelaide United | 1 – 1 | Newcastle Jets | Hindmarsh Stadium Attendance: 10,256 Referee: Matthew Breeze |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dodd 76' | Report Summary |
J. Griffiths 70' |
| 25 November 2007 17:00 UTC+11 |
Newcastle Jets | 0 – 0 | Central Coast Mariners | EnergyAustralia Stadium Attendance: 14,169 Referee: Mark Shield |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Report Summary |
| 30 November 2007 19:00 UTC+10 |
Queensland Roar | 0 – 1 | Newcastle Jets | Suncorp Stadium Attendance: 14,193 Referee: Peter Green |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Report Summary |
J. Griffiths 90+2' |
| 7 December 2007 20:00 UTC+11 |
Sydney FC | 1 – 0 | Newcastle Jets | Sydney Football Stadium Attendance: 10,732 Referee: Matthew Breeze |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zadkovich 52' Corica 90+3' |
Report Summary |
| 16 December 2007 17:00 UTC+11 |
Melbourne Victory | 1 – 3 | Newcastle Jets | Telstra Dome Attendance: 22,626 Referee: Matthew Breeze |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hernández 11' | Report Summary |
Denni 41' J. Griffiths 54' 76' |
The Jets defeated Melbourne in their most convincing win of the season. It was the first time that the Jets had won after going behind. New Australian national coach Pim Verbeek was watching from the stands as numerous players such as Joel Griffiths, Ante Čović and Archie Thompson tried to impress him. Carlos Hernández put the home side ahead early in the first half but Denni scored his first A-League goal to put the Jets back on level terms. Griffiths came close to scoring a hat-trick but had to be happy with reclaiming the position as the league's top goal scorer. James Holland played his first game for the club after signing a permanent contract for the next two seasons.
| 30 December 2007 19:00 UTC+11 |
Newcastle Jets | 2 – 3 | Wellington Phoenix | EnergyAustralia Stadium Attendance: 15,107 Referee: Srebre Delovski |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bridge 29' (pen) Tunbridge 81' |
Report Summary |
Smeltz 16' Ferrante 49' Rees 51' |
| 4 January 2008 20:00 UTC+11 |
Newcastle Jets | 2 – 1 | Adelaide United | EnergyAustralia Stadium Attendance: 13,047 Referee: Peter Green |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| J. Griffiths 13' Holland 73' |
Report Summary |
Pantelis 41' Barbiero 18, 45+1' |
| 12 January 2008 19:00 UTC+11 |
Central Coast Mariners | 1 – 2 | Newcastle Jets | Bluetongue Central Coast Stadium Attendance: 19,238 Referee: Matthew Breeze |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kwasnik 9' | Report Summary |
Holland 6' J. Griffiths 52' |
| 18 January 2008 20:00 UTC+11 |
Newcastle Jets | 2 – 1 | Perth Glory | EnergyAustralia Stadium Attendance: 16,212 Referee: Michael Hester |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| J. Griffiths 22' Bridge 64' |
Report Summary |
Rizzo 37' Harnwell 45+2' |
| 27 January 2008 18:00 UTC+11 |
Newcastle Jets | 2 – 0 | Central Coast Mariners | EnergyAustralia Stadium Attendance: 22,960 Referee: Matthew Breeze |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A. Griffiths 22' J. Griffiths 85' (pen) |
Report Summary |
| 10 February 2008 18:00 UTC+11 |
Central Coast Mariners | 3 – 0 (a.e.t.) | Newcastle Jets | Bluetongue Stadium Attendance: 19,112 Referee: Ben Williams |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kwasnik 37' Petrovski 74', 95' |
Report Summary |
| 17 February 2008 18:00 UTC+11 |
Newcastle Jets | 3 – 2 (a.e.t.) | Queensland Roar | EnergyAustralia Stadium Attendance: 16,021 Referee: Peter Green |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thompson 40' J. Griffiths 104' (pen) Elrich 111' |
Report Summary |
Reinaldo 90+2' (pen), 118' (pen) Moore 77', 112' |
| 24 February 2008 17:00 UTC+11 |
Central Coast Mariners | 0 – 1 | Newcastle Jets | Sydney Football Stadium Attendance: 36,354 Referee: Mark Shield |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vukovic 90+5' | Summary | Bridge 64' |
Last updated 4 July 2008
| Name | Pre-Season | A-League | Finals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joel Griffiths | 3 | 12 | 2 |
| Mark Bridge | 0 | 4 | 1 |
| Adam Griffiths | 0 | 2 | 1 |
| James Holland | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Scott Tunbridge | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Denni | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Matt Thompson | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Stuart Musialik | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Jobe Wheelhouse | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Tarek Elrich | 0 | 0 | 1 |
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