Con's Cash Improves On Kb United Legacy

Newcastle Herald

Saturday February 10, 2007

Ray Baartz

"WHAT a night!"

That's exactly what diehard fans and the newly converted were saying when they left EnergyAustralia Stadium after the Newcastle Jets' thrilling semi-final victory over Sydney FC.

Wherever you looked, on and off the park, it was a momentous night for Newcastle.

The players performed with maturity and passion underpinned with a tactical awareness that showed they had learned the lessons from previous games against Sydney and had made the adjustments.

As for the fans, they were in the game from the outset, riding every tackle and pass knowing that their support had a massive role to play in lifting their team on a must-win occasion.

I can only compare it with the totally committed support the gold army gives to the Socceroos. The atmosphere was absolutely electric.

Twelve months ago the Jets made the play-offs in the A-League's inaugural season but failed to grab the imagination of the Newcastle football community. But this season, Gary van Egmond and his team have turned that around.

On his appointment as coach one of the first moves Gary made was to organise a senior players' group within the squad. Straight away he won the respect of the players because it harnessed the wisdom of guys like captain Paul Okon and Vaughan Coveney and gave them a genuine stake in the welfare and performance of the team.

As a young coach Gary realised that he had a great resource in the likes of Okon, a former Socceroo captain with a wealth of experience at the top level in Europe. Since settling into the role, Paul's leadership and big-match experience has been priceless, no more so than in the cauldron of last Friday night.

To me, they are playing and supporting each other in a way that shows they are really enjoying their football.

They look like a happy team and that will be vital this tomorrow.

This summer has seen the growth of a different culture within the club. The players have not only delivered an exciting, skilful brand of football, they have shown how proud they are representing this community.

The players have embraced the town and the fans have taken the team to heart.

The team's most passionate supporters deserve a big wrap. I was proud when The Squadron invited me aboard as their patron and have watched with interest as they have grown into one of the most vocal and committed group of supporters in the league.

But the greatest credit must go to Con Constantine. Almost 30 years ago I was a member of the Newcastle KB United steering committee. Our plan was to see Newcastle represented in the national league and give our best young footballers a chance to stay and play in their home town.

After setting the benchmark for professionalism and support, KB United failed for one prime reason: money. We lost marquee players like Kenny Boden to Sydney.

Compare that with today: every club in the league would love to sign Nicky Carle, but Con's cash ensures that the star stays here. As a benefactor he has unfailingly put up the money to sign and retain a talented group of footballers from all parts.

Stuart Musialik is the perfect example of how Newcastle talent can make it through to the highest level.

The Jets' owner is mindful of the potential identified all those years ago by KB United. Back then, visionary administrator Paul Trisley was a man before his time and lifelong servants of the game like Artie Quill worked behind the scenes to make the project great. Both Paul and Artie are no longer with us but their legacy lives on.

One of the liabilities in these early years of the A-league is the absence of a reserve grade or a youth team. In time, that will be rectified.

For now, the challenge to Con and his club is to use the gains of this season to build a professional structure that ensures long-term viability, and a youth development program that realises the potential of the army of kids playing the game in our region.

As for Sunday's game, the Jets have real momentum and will back themselves against Adelaide. I was super-impressed with the last away game against Adelaide when the home side won 3-2 with a late goal.

Despite the loss I thought it was one of Newcastle's best performances of the season and Nicky Carle wasn't available that day. If they take a bit from that performance and carry on from where they left off last Friday night, they Jets will be hard to beat.

Ray Baartz is an Australian soccer legend and has been inducted into Sport Australia's Hall of Fame.

© 2007 Newcastle Herald

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