The Jets are pleased to announce the signing of Australian Under 23 internationals Scott Neville and Craig Goodwin.
The Hunter Ports Newcastle Jets are pleased to announce the signing of Australian Under 23 internationals Scott Neville and Craig Goodwin, both to two-year contracts.
Neville joins the Jets after making 63 A-League appearances for Perth Glory since 2008. He deputised for regular captain Glory Jacob Burns during the 2010/11 season and received the Glory-s Players’ Player award that same year.
Neville was also a member of the Olyroos squad during the recent Olympic qualifying campaign.
The versatile 23-year-old has played the majority of his professional career at right back, but is comfortable in a variety of positions across defence and midfield.
“Scott is a leader and a great character, he is just the type of player we want at the Jets,” coach Gary van Egmond said.
“It is a courageous move to come over here because he could have stayed in his hometown, where he has been captain of Perth Glory.
“For his development he felt coming to the Jets was the best option.”
Goodwin, originally from Adelaide, played last season with Melbourne Heart. He made his A-League debut in Round 19 against Melbourne Victory, where he was named man of the match.
The-20-year-old-s effort was described by many as the most impressive debut in A-League history.
The exciting left-back went on to make four more appearances for the Heart, earning him a call-up to the Olyroos squad for their final Olympic qualifying match against Iraq.
“Craig is a great young talent that we are pleased to see him coming to the Jets,” van Egmond added.
“He is a very attacking minded left-back, and can also play further up the park.
“He has a wonderful attitude and wants to become the best player he can possibly be.”
The addition of Neville and Goodwin further bolsters a Jets squad that is already brimming with talented youngsters.
Meanwhile, the Newcastle Jets today formally announced players Ali Abbas, Jeremy Brockie and Tarek Elrich will not be re-signing with the Club for the 2012/13 A-League season.
All three players came off-contract at the conclusion of the 2011/12 campaign and the trio will now have the opportunity to continue their careers elsewhere in the A-League or abroad.
Van Egmond thanked Abbas, Brockie and Elrich for their contributions to the Jets.
“We want to thank Jeremy, Ali and Tarek for their efforts during their time in Newcastle,” he said.
“All players have been great contributors to the Club and we wish them all the best for the future.
“With more coaching positions finalised in the next week or so, this gives these players the best opportunity to secure their future.”
The Jets, who are delighted with the signings of Neville and Goodwin, will continue to build their playing roster for season 2012/13.
