NEWCASTLE Jets chief executive Lawrie McKinna has warned fans not to look any further ahead than Friday night’s A-League semi-final against Melbourne City at what will be a sold out McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle.
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Winner of the match will tackle either raging hot favourites Sydney FC or Melbourne Victory in the grand final the following weekend. The Jets have been the story of the A-League, rising from the cellar to be one win away from the big dance.
However, McKinna said there’s plenty of work to do yet before they can worry about taking on the might of Sydney FC and dream of bringing home the trophy.
“We can beat FC, but we have to get there first,’’ McKinna said while in Taree earlier this week running a coaching clinic.
“But we’ve not actually beaten City this year – they’re the only team in the competition we haven’t beaten, so it’s going to be a big game.
“They (City) did really well against Brisbane, so it’s going to be a huge test for the boys. But for the first time this season just about everyone’s fit.’’
McKinna said this year’s success hasn’t been totally unexpected.
“When we first came to the club about 95 per cent of the squad was signed. We knew we had to have changes but because players were contracted we couldn’t do anything,’’ he explained.
“But at the end of the season we got rid of about 10 players and the boys we’ve bought in – they’re quality players. And a lot of the time this season we haven’t had the strongest side on the park. Look at players like Ben Kantarovski and Jason Hoffman, two local Newcastle boys who have been outstanding.
“Ernie (coach Ernie Merrick) has come in and made mark with his experience and the way he handles the dressing room.’’
McKinna is hoping for a crowd of more than 24,000 at Newcastle on Friday night. This will be a record for the Jets. When he spoke to the Times the club was on target to achieve the figure.
“That’s what we’re gunning for,’’ he said.
McKinna assured the Jets are primed for long term success.
“For sure,’’ he said.
“Ernie’s here for another two years. Just about all the players we’ve wanted to keep we’ve extended their contracts.
“Normally with the Jets you get to the end of the season and that’s when all the negotiations start. But now we’ve got everybody at the club who we want to keep already signed up.
“The base is there and we’ll just have to add to it – plug the holes.’’
As reported in Wednesday’s Times, McKinna confirmed the Jets will be in the Manning during the A-League off-season as part of the club’s northern tour. He said this area is ‘very important to the club.’