Newcastle Jets are pleased to confirm that former Australian youth international and homegrown talent Jason Hoffman has returned to the club on a one-season deal.
Hoffman, 26, reached a mutual termination with Hyundai A-League rivals Melbourne City late on Thursday, and has now officially sealed his shift back to the Hunter.
Hoffman was a member of the club’s 2008 Hyundai A-League Championship winning squad, and indeed scored a vital goal for the Jets in the 2009 AFC Champions League group stage.
Hoffman’s header against Ulsan Hyundai at the Munsu Football Stadium in Korea Republic ensured that Newcastle advanced to the knockout phase of Asia’s premier club competition at its historic first attempt.
Originally an attacker, Hoffman transitioned to playing a predominately right back role during his time in the Victorian capital with Melbourne Heart and City.
Today, Hoffman said that fullback is now where he feels most comfortable on the pitch, and that he’s full of pride to be a Newcastle Jet again.
“I am extremely proud and humbled to be given the opportunity to represent my home town, and be part of what’s going to be an exciting rebuilding phase of the Newcastle Jets,” Hoffman said.
“The new direction of the club looks like it’s the right one – everyone is excited around the club and the buzz is something that is infectious.”
“I want to be a big part of the rebuilding phase and I want to try and help make a cultural difference at the club so we can be successful for the people of Newcastle.”
“As a footballer I think I have matured over the last five years, and obviously fullback is a position that I have played the last few years at City.”
“I feel very much at home there and I feel like I can give a lot to the team, to the club, and to the people of Newcastle in that position,” he said.
Newcastle Jets Head Coach Scott Miller said that Hoffman will add depth and experience to his squad.
“Everyone that I have spoken to about Jason Hoffman has confirmed that he is a fantastic professional,” Miller said.
“In fact, I received phone calls from a number of players, including Damien Duff who I worked with at Fulham and who Jason played with at Melbourne City, recommending that we take a look at recruiting Jason.”
“Truth is we were well down the path of signing Jason when Damien called, but it was certainly nice to receive feedback from someone of Damien’s calibre that Jason would be a great addition to the Jets.”
Hoffman will train with his new Newcastle Jets teammates for the first time on Friday.
