Jeronimo Neumann feels Jets' love: video

The Argentinian joined the Jets for his first training session yesterday and will make his debut in a friendly against Weston at Bear Park tonight.

Neumann, 28, had a season remaining on his contract in Adelaide but was told by coach Josep Gombau that he did not feature in the Reds’ plans, despite nine goals in 25 appearances last season.

‘‘In Adelaide, I spoke with the coach and he told me he wanted to bring in another type of player in another position,’’ he said. 

‘‘If he wants to bring in another player from Spain, in another position, I feel uncomfortable.

‘‘Then [Jets coach] Phil [Stubbins] came and talked to me and said how much he wanted me in Newcastle.

‘‘He needed a player in my position, so from the moment the coach came to me, he convinced me for this new project. I did not think for two seconds. I said yes straight away.’’

Neumann played a farewell match for Adelaide against Spanish La Liga outfit Malaga, losing 5-1 on Friday night.

He is likely to partner Joel Griffiths in a front two against the Bears, the Jets’ final hit-out before  playing Perth Glory in the FFA Cup round of 32 at Magic Park on Tuesday.

‘‘I want to play. I’m ready to play,’’ Neumann said.

‘‘My whole career I play striker. A number nine, but looking at the goal, not so much back to the goal.

‘‘Every player wants to start and be first XI. This is something really important.’’

Jets assistant coach Clayton Zane said Neumann and David Carney, who is returning from a back injury, would be assessed today.

‘‘Both will be involved, but whether they start will be determined after Phil has a talk with them tomorrow.

‘‘Jeronimo has given everyone a bit of a lift. To have him finally here and see his touches, you can see glimpses of what he is capable of.’’

The Jets played three at the back in a 3-1 win over the youth team last week but trained with a back four and a diamond midfield yesterday.

‘‘We need to get some minutes under people’s belts to make sure they can get through 90 minutes against Perth in the FFA Cup game,’’ Zane said.

‘‘The first game was more about testing people and making it difficult for ourselves in that the boys had not played much with a back three.

‘‘It was a bit of a test to see who could adapt.

‘‘Phil definitely likes two up top, so if it is not a 3-5-2, it will be four at the back.’’

 Weston overpowered Charlestown City 4-1 on Sunday to move into second place in the Northern NSW National Premier League.

Coach Steve Piggott said the Bears would field a competitive outfit tonight but his focus was on Sunday’s league clash with South Cardiff.

‘‘We will use two fresh groups, each with a mix of senior players and fringe players,’’ he said.

‘‘We want to give the Jets a good, competitive hit-out without exhausting my guys.

‘‘They can go as hard as they can for 45 minutes.’’

Zane understood the Bears’ situation.

‘‘They might look to lighten the load on some of their players,’’ he said. ‘‘It’s not ideal for us, but we understand the position they are in.’’

Former Adelaide youth team player of the year Allan Welsh and Toowoomba teenager Ryan Ensor  have started training with the Jets. Both are in line for a youth team contract.

Meanwhile, the Jets confirmed yesterday that highly regarded physiotherapist Rob Dingle is parting ways with the club after four years.

Dingle will stay until a replacement is appointed. 

Jets likely (4-4-2): Ben Kennedy; Jacob Pepper, Kew Jaliens, Adrian Madaschi, Craig Goodwin; James Virgili, Ben Kantarovski, David Carney, Jonny Steele; Jeronimo Neumann, Joel Griffiths.