By Blake Jarrett

Lambton Jaffas FC vs. Newcastle Jets Youth
Sat 11 Apr 2:30 PM
Arthur Edden Oval
Match of the Round
#JAFvNEW

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Lambton

Ins

Hakan Kanli, Lee Soo-myung, Joel Grenell (General Manager/Player), Michael Bridges, Michael Williams, Brad Swancott, Grant Brown

Outs

Kale Bradbury, Dino Fajkovic, Dennis Fajkovic, Michael Lawrence, Danny Ireland

2014 season: 3rd place/Grand Final Winners
Coach: David Tanchevski

 

Lambton Jaffas enter the 2015 season as one of the competition favourites following their inspiring Grand Final win in the 2014 season.

The Jaffas enjoyed several big wins throughout their trial matches, most notably dispatching Valentine FC 7-1, where Alex Palozzi netted four second half goals, Lake Macquarie 9-3 and the Newcastle Suns 12-0.

Their most significant trial, however, was ironically a 7-0 defeat. This defeat was at the hands of the Blue Samurai, the Japan national team, back in December 2014 at Cessnock Sportsground, a once in a lifetime opportunity for many involved with the club.

The Jaffas finished third in the 2014 National Premier League season, which Coach David Tanchevski labeled ‘a good achievement, but also quite disappointing considering with a few rounds to go we were in a position to finish Minor Premiers.’

Since then the club has announced the signings of Hakan Kanli and Michael Bridges to replace the departed attacking duo of Kale Bradbury and Dino Fajkovic.

Bridges, who has featured for Sunderland, Leeds United, Newcastle United, Hull City, and closer to home both Sydney FC and the Newcastle Jets, brings an abundance of experience, which will benefit the side in their third season back in the top flight.

Other signings include Michael Williams from the Jets Youth, Brad Swancott from Hamilton Olympic, the first ever paid General Manager in the Northern NSW PS4 NPL in Joel Grenell, who will also play for the club, Korean Lee-Soo-myung, and former Central Coast Academy defender Grant Brown,

The losses of Bradbury who was the fourth leading goal scorer in 2014 with nine goals, and Fajkovic were two unfortunate ones for the side. The biggest loss, however, comes from the other end of the field in goalkeeper Danny Ireland, who has been one of their most consistent players and instrumental figures in the side’s success over the past two seasons.

Tanchevski described the Jaffas’ pre-season as frustrating despite recording many good results, and stated that he is not at all concerned despite the key names that have departed.

‘It hasn’t been ideal, we have had Michael Bridges out with injury, Jobe Wheelhouse has only played two games in pre season, and Michael Sessions has been out as well. Having said that, the performances though, I have been very happy with.’

‘Michael Williams is a young player with a massive future who will offer pace and energy at the back, Michael Bridges offers a lot of experience and organisation up front, Brad Swancott brings a lot of communication and experience, and Hakan Kanli brings his own experience after many good years at Magic. There is a lot more depth to the team this year,’ he said.

Tanchevski also suggested that Wheelhouse’s fitness, and his partnership with fellow central midfielder Peter McPherson is crucial to his side’s success in 2015, and that he is looking forward to seeing how ‘one of the youngest backlines in the  competition’ will perform.

The Jaffas’ Westfield FFA Cup run is over after bowing out in the 4th Round to Broadmeadow Magic, allowing them to fully focus on the upcoming PS4 NPL season.

Their opening match against the 2014 Premiers Newcastle Jets Youth is significant considering they possess several ex-Jets, and also due to the fact that they defeated the young side 4-3 in the final knockout match to progress to the 2014 Grand Final.

It will be a tough first round for the 2014 Grand Finals Winners, however as they have proven since their return to top flight football in 2013, the sky is the limit for this club.

 

Jets Youth

Ins

Peter McGuinness (Coach), Braedyn Crowley, Josh Barresi, Ryan Ensor, Jake Adelson

 

Outs

James Pascoe (Coach-promoted to First Team Assistant), Mike Finlayson, Roman Hoffman, Liam O’Reilly

 

The Newcastle Jets Youth will be determined to repeat the success they experienced in 2014, finishing in first place after edging out Weston Bears in the final round of the competition.

They begin the new campaign with several fresh faces, most notably with a change in coaching following James Pascoe’s promotion to the First Team Assistant role. The Newcastle Jets issued a statement at the beginning of the week informing the public that they had made their decision on their new PS4 NPL Youth Team coach with the appointment of Peter McGuinness. The statement read:

‘McGuinness – who has spent the past two seasons as Head Coach of the Jets’ Westfield W-League side under the management of Northern NSW Football – takes up the position effective immediately… He spent four years working with the New South Wales Institute of Sport’s U17 boys program in the past, and also coached the successful U16 boys Emerging Jets squad last year. Having worked extensively in junior development in the area, plus having coached many of the members of the Jets’ 2015 PS4 NPL men’s squad before, McGuinness is confident he can achieve his key goal of improving the players that are part of the Club’s PS4 NPL squad.’

Joining McGuinness as a new recruit is Josh Barresi, who signed for the Jets in July last year after two years with the Western Sydney Wanderers, however missed the 2014/2015 A League season after tearing his ACL in the side’s trial match against Juventus.

Braedyn Crowley, Ryan Ensor, and Jake Adelson are the Youth side’s other three signings. Crowley has had an impressive start to his Jets career, already getting minutes in the Hyundai A-League.

The side enters the 2015 competition without two key members that were crucial to their 2014 NPL season success in Mike Finlayson and Roman Hoffman, who marked their departures with a goal each in a 4-3 Preliminary Final loss to Lambton last year. Both moved on due to their age, with Finlayson signing for the Jaffas.

Joining the pair on the way out is Liam O’Reilly who moved to Edgeworth last season.

One of the biggest talking points about the Jets 2015 season does not involve the new coach or any new or departed players. It is the fact that they will not be eligible to participate in the finals series. Therefore if the Jets Youth make the 2015 finals, the top ranked side will play the team who finishes fifth in a home and away semi final.

The Youth Jets will not be phased by this, according to captain Reece Papas, and will remain determined to state their case that they are once again the benchmark of the PS4 NPL this Saturday when they take on the Lambton Jaffas in the Match of the Round at 2.30pm

 

 

Edgeworth FC vs. Charlestown City Blues FC
Fri 10 Apr 7:00 PM
Jack McLaughlan Oval
#EFCvCCB

Edgeworth

2014 Season: 5th place
Coach: Damien Zane

Ins

Damien Zane (Coach), Justin Tannock, Dom Bizzari, Liam O’Reilly, Brenton Olzomer

Outs

Gary Wilson (Coach), Hector Mendez, Zac Hill, Jesse Krncevic, Luke Walker (still with the club but will miss most of the season with injury)

 

They haven’t won the Championship in five years or the Premiership in six, however the feeling at the Edgeworth Eagles is that this is their year.

The side from Jack McLaughlan Oval will be looking to build on their fourth placed finish in the 2014 campaign, but are forced to do so without key man and captain Luke Walker for at least the first nine rounds after he suffered a torn ACL in a pre season trial match.

Josh Evans is the man taking responsibility of the captaincy duties in Walker’s absence.

Not returning for the 2015 season are journeyman Hector Mendez, Maitland-bound Zac Hill, and Jesse Krncevic.

The side has made some handy signings, however, in former Eagles Dom Bizzari and Justin Tannock. Combined with Jets Youth import Liam O’Reilly, Brenton Olzomer from Berkeley Vale and the core of last year’s roster, Coach Damien Zane believes he has a very competitive squad to work with.

‘Apart from Luke’s injury we’ve had a great pre season. I have a great bunch of guys. I’m very passionate and I expect the players here not to just be at the club but to have a passion for it.’

The Eagles remain a part of the Westfield FFA Cup after coming from behind to defeat Hamilton Olympic 2-1 away from home last month, and Zane is relishing the potential challenges and opportunity.

‘I’m very excited. The boys know success in the Cup is a goal of mine. I’d love to be coaching against one of the big teams. I want to be the first team in the North (NNSW NPL) to play one of the A-League teams. When we beat Hamilton the feeling around the side was that it felt like we’d won a competition game.’

The Eagles host the curtain raiser of 2015 PS4 NPL Season on Friday night as they welcome Charlestown City Blues to Jack McLaughlan Oval. Zane suggested that the loss of clubman Kane Goodchild was a massive one for the Blues, but believes his opposite, Shane Pryce, will have the men in sky blue and white ready for a fight.

 

Charlestown

2014 Season: 4th place
Coach: Shane Pryce

Ins

Joe Holt, Paul Bitz, Joel Witherden, Daniel Laman

Outs

Kane Goodchild, Mitch Harper, Josh McGuire, Troy Hearfield, Andrew Goldman

 

Charlestown begins their season on the opening night of the 2015 PS4 NPL season, and they are one team that desperately requires three points to help them overcome a somewhat shaky pre-season.

The main talking point in regards to the Blues’ preparations is the shock departure of clubman and veteran Kane Goodchild. Goodchild was the leading scorer in the 2014 NPL season and was the side’s captain, making him a huge loss.

Other losses for the side are Mitch Harper to Valentine, Troy Hearfield to Weston, Andrew Goldman to Lake Macquarie and Josh McGuire who departed last season.

Despite the significant names that have departed the club, Matt Tull believes that team morale is very high.

Rene Ferguson was the name on the lips of many after the side’s courageous comeback win in the Westfield FFA Cup 4th Round. Twice they trailed by a single goal to Maitland, however twice the left winger Ferguson equalised. He completed an amazing hat trick with a last minute winner.

Another key player for the Blues is Daniel Bird, a youngster with loads of potential. Bird played wide on the left in 2014 but will most likely be used in a more central role in 2015 according to Tull, a move that will benefit both the individual and them team itself given his ability to bring others into the game, create chances, and finish them himself.

Joel Witherden is the pick of the Blues’ signings for the 2015 season. The former Hamilton and South Cardiff defender is a strong frame and will provide stability for a side that has conceded

Joining Witherden as new additions to the club are Joe Holt, Paul Bitz, and Daniel Laman.

The Blues’ opponent in their opening match is Edgeworth who they defeated 2-1 in the Elimination Final last season. The match will take place at 7.00pm on Friday night under floodlights at Jack McLaughlan Oval.

 

Adamstown Rosebud FC vs. Weston Workers FC
Sun 12 Apr 2:30 PM
Adamstown Oval
#BUDvWWB

Adamstown Rosebud

2014 Season: 8th place
Coach: Graham Law

Ins

Graham Law (Coach), Mason Palmieri (Assistant Coach), Grahame Hamilton (Manager), Stuart Musialik, Guy Bates, Matthew Paul, Roger Dowdell, Daniel Clements, Garry Kenneth, Owen Littlewood, Jack O’Toole, Nathan Ham, Aaron Niyonkuru

Outs

Anthony Richards (Coach) Sean Matthews, Matt Comerford, Abe Wheelhouse, Nathan Cavaliere, Steve Rospigliosi, George Bland, Jack Symons, James Someville, John Dineen-Griffen, Jack Brilliante, Tomislav Jakovljevic

 

Last year was a significant one for the Rosebud who celebrated their 125th anniversary as a club, having been founded on July 12 1889.

Despite all the hype and anticipation, the side finished the season in a disappointing eighth position following just six wins from 18 matches.

This year they will be desperate for another significant season, but will look to achieve this with improved performances and on the park and positive results.

The acquisitions of former Newcastle Jets Grand Final winner Stu Musialik and former Dundee United enforcer Garry Kenneth have strengthened the side immensely, and will heavily impact on their search for success.

Other significant additions include former Jet Guy Bates, Matthew Paul, Aaron Niyonkuru and Owen Littlewood from Broadmeadow Magic, Roger Dowdell from Maitland, and Daniel Clements from Lake Macquarie.

Their biggest signing however, is Graham Law as Head Coach. Law guided Maitland from NEWFM 1st Division to NPL last season, losing just one of 24 games. He makes up a new-look coaching trio that includes Assistant Coach, former player Mason Palmieri, and Manager, Grahame Hamilton who returns to the Buds after a year on the coaching staff at South Cardiff last season.

Law has been pleased with his side’s pre season, and has a full squad to choose from in Round 1 apart from Musialik who has only recently returned to full training and will miss the first two rounds.

The new coach who has benefitted form his experience as Maitland first grade coach in 2014 is confident with the ability of his young side heading into the season and is ecstatic with the names on his roster.

‘I believe that we will be competitive in every game. We can play football, we are fit, and we are a very young team. I could not have a better bunch of guys, they want to evolve as a team and they are so close’.

‘We have that experience in the spine of the team. We have Carts (Scott Carter) our keeper who is the club captain, Garry Kenneth, Stu Musialik, Dayne Pawlik and Guy Bates. I identified the spine as a key area I wanted to recruit in and that is exactly what we have done’.

Law also commended his right hand men in Mason Palmieri and Graham Hamilton who he believes share a common goal in regards to how they want football at the club played, and labeled them both as great football brains.

From their 2014 squad, Sean Matthews, Matt Comerford, Abe Wheelhouse, Steve  Rospigliosi George Bland, Jack Symons, James Someville, John Dineen-Griffen, Tomislav Jakovljevic and Nathanael Cavaliere have all left the club. Anthony Richards has also moved on from his position as the First Grade Coach.

The Buds welcome Weston to Adamstown Oval in their opening fixture on Sunday afternoon at 2.30pm. They experienced little success against the Bears in 2014, drawing 1-1 with them in the sixth round, then falling 4-1 in Round 15. They will be extremely confident despite this, after handing the Bears a 6-0 smashing in the 4th Round of the Westfield FFA Cup last month.

Weston

2014 Season: 2nd place/Grand Finalists
Coach: Trevor Morris

Ins

Trevor Morris (Coach), Troy Hearfield, James Monie, Paul Claut, Wilson Edwards

 

Outs

Steve Piggott (Coach), Connor Evans, Mick Ryan, Jye Mckellar, James Wand

 

After a fairly unsuccessful pre-season, Weston Bears will be desperate to prove from the get-go that they have what it takes to repeat their 2014 success, and perhaps go one further. 

The boys from Bear Park finished second in 2014, and lost the Grand Final 2-0 to the Jaffas.

One of the biggest talking points of Weston’s 2015 campaign is the personnel no longer present. The departure lounge at the Bears includes four significant names. 

Firstly, the two biggest names of the inaugural NNSWF National Premier League season have made way. 2014 Coach of the Year Steve Piggott has moved on in his career, as has 2014 Player of the Year Connor Evans. The pair was instrumental in the side’s success last season, which saw them fall agonisingly short of both the Premiership and a Grand Final win.

Secondly, the club has seen the loss of quality in both youth and experience. Jye Mckellar, a rising star in 2014, moved to the newly promoted Maitland, and Mick Ryan, a club legend, has moved on due to a recurring knee injury. Both were key players for the club and will be huge losses.

The other flip of the coin sees the club welcome some key names. Trevor Morris, father of Team of the Century centre back Nathan Morris has stepped into the role of First Grade Coach.

Morris has been impressed with his side’s pre season and believes his high standards and goals will drive the Bears in 2015.

‘Pre season has been very good. A lot of hard work gas been done on and off the field and I’m very happy with it. I am very confident with what my objectives and goals are. The players are all on board and working very hard. It will be a tough competition and we have set the bar very high.’

Former Bear, and 2014 Hamilton Olympic striker James Monie returns to the club, joined by former Newcastle Jet Troy Hearfield. Both experienced players will be crucial for the Bears’ 2015 title hopes. Hearfield opened his account in Weston colours with a cool finish in a 3-1 trial game loss to Broadmeadow Magic, and will be eager to score his first PS4 NPL goal for the club as soon as possible.

Trial match losses to Broadmeadow and Hamilton, a Westfield FFA Cup penalty shootout win over Newcastle Uni in the 3rd Round, and a huge 6-0 loss to Adamstown in the 4th Round have many doubting the Bears’ chances, however their new coach is thinking positive.

‘We have got a very mobile midfield and our defence is the same as last year, so that understanding should carry on. Last year even though it was a good year a lot of chances went missing. If we can take our chances and put our opposition under pressure I believe we will be a big chance each week of picking up the points,’ Morris said.

The side kicks off the season against Adamstown Rosebud this Sunday, a side they drew 1-1 with in Round 6 of last season, then thumped 4-1 in the return fixture in Round 15. Morris is extremely excited for Sunday’s match, and so are his players.

‘I can’t wait and neither can the boys. Everyone is jumping out of their skin. Trial games and pre season have been long and we just can’t wait to play for the three points.’

 

Broadmeadow Magic FC vs. Hamilton Olympic FC
Sun 12 Apr 2:30 PM
Magic Park
#MGCvOLY

Magic

2014 Season: 9th place/State Cup Winners
Coach: Robert Virgili/Robert Naumov

Ins

Rob Virgili and Bobby Naumov (Co-Coaches), Darren Elkin (Assistant Coach), Kale Bradbury, Dino Fajkovic, Mike Finlayson, Ko Sanjin, Nathan Archbold

Outs
Glen Chapman (Coach), Hakan Canli, Chris Bowling, Owen Littlewood, Matt Paul, Adam Pearce

 

Broadmeadow Magic will welcome the return of the PS4 National Premier League season, desperate to prove that they are the dominant side in Newcastle after a disappointing 2014 campaign.

Robert Virgili has been Broadmeadow’s most successful mentor in recent history, so his return as a co-coach alongside Bobby Naumov is a well-received one. The pair guided the side to the double in 2013. The year before Virgili and Damien Smith mentored the team to a Grand Final win, following the double the pair won with the side in 2011. Former Weston coach Darren Elkin also joins the coaching staff as an assistant coach.

After a poor season last year for the club as a whole, Virgili suggested that he, Naumov and Elkin each possess the experience and stability to bring all of the three grades back to where they need to be and re-establish the club as the powerhouse of the local league.

Magic have picked up several other big names in their quest to avenge a poor 2014 NPL season. Kale Bradbury returns to the club after successful stints with the Jets Youth and Lambton Jaffas. Joining him are former Jets Youth and Jaffas teammate Dino Fadjkovic, former Jets Youth striker Mike Finlayson, and former Lake Macquarie keeper Nathan Archbold.

Virgili was full of praise for the young attacking trio, suggesting that ‘what Dino, Kale and Mike don’t bring in terms of experience they make up for with new energy, enthusiasm and mobility. They are quality young players and we are expecting them to each step up from where they were at last year.’

Despite winning the NNSWF State Cup in his first year in charge, Glen Chapman has stepped down from the role after finishing a poor ninth in the NPL. Joining Chapman as departed 2014 Magic members are Matt Paul and Owen Littlewood to Adamstown, Hakan Canli to Lambton and Keeper Chris Bowling to retirement.

Their biggest loss however, is Alex Kantarovski who suffered a season ending injury in the side’s Round 3 Westfield FFA Cup win. Despite the loss of Kantarovski, Virgili is adamant that depth in the backline and defensive midfield positions will not be an issue.

The side from Curley Road have experienced great success in the preseason. They defeated Weston 3-1, Swansea 6-0, and Adamstown 3-0, as well as progressing to the 5th Round of the Westfield FFA Cup. Virgili, however, believes his side still has a lot of work to do.

‘We have had some good results throughout our pre-season, however we aren’t anywhere near where we want to be in terms of a finished product,’ he said.

In their opening match Broadmeadow are involved in a fixture that has the most significance in terms of passion and pride. They host rivals Hamilton Olympic at Magic Park on Sunday in one of the most anticipated opening matches in recent seasons, and one that Virgili expects will be a tough start to their campaign.

 

Hamilton Olympic

2014 Season: 6th place/Club Champions
Coach: Michael Bolch

Ins

Jamie Byrnes, Danny Ireland, Matt Harper, Simon Mooney, Kane Goodchild, Jason Korotkich

Outs

Brad Swancott, James Monie, David Hodgson, Clayton Poole, Blake Green

 

Hamilton Olympic enter the 2015 PS4 National Premier League season with a breath of fresh air about the side which will surely please coach Mick Bolch as well as their committee and fans.

Off season recruiting was necessary following an unacceptable sixth placed finish last season, and that is exactly what occurred with the club welcoming the signings of Jamie Byrnes from South Cardiff, Danny Ireland from Lambton, Kane Goodchild from Charlestown and Jason Korotkich.

Matt Harper returns to the club after a year off, as does Simon Mooney who signed for the 2014 season from Lake Macquarie, however was forced out of the entire season through injury.

Making way for these new signings are Brad Swancott, James Monie, Clayton Poole and David Hodgson, all of whom possess an excess of experience.

The team has already begun to gel, with several dominant pre-season performances. The side travelled to Brookvale, defeating the Sydney side 5-3, then demolished West Wallsend 6-1. A tighter affair against South Cardiff saw them score two second half goals to win 2-0. They then defeated Maitland 3-1, and Charlestown 5-0.

A major hiccup, however, saw the side in blue and white bow out of the Westfield FFA Cup in the 4th Round, losing 2-1, and in the process giving up a 1-0 lead on home soil.

Their opening PS4 NPL clash is one of the most highly anticipated clashes that the league has offered in recent history, which sees them travel to Magic Park to take on rivals Broadmeadow Magic.

This fixture will give an early indication of whether or not a somewhat new look Hamilton side will once again become a dominant force in the PS4 National Premier League.

 

South Cardiff FC vs. Maitland FC
Sun 12 Apr 2:30 PM
Ulinga Oval
#SCGvMFC

 

South Cardiff

2014 Season: 8th place/State Cup Grand Finalists 
Coach: Greg Asquith

Ins 
Jung Sang-deok, Alex Brandrick, Stuart Pratt, Mikel Breckenridge, Nick Russell and Brad Watters (Note Russell and Watters missed last season through injury)

Outs
Mick Stafford, Chris Gazzard, Jamie Byrnes

 

The South Cardiff Gunners are licking their lips for the 2015 season to commence, eager to reach the highs of the 2010 season when they made the Grand Final.

They have underachieved in the league since then, however 2015 marks Coach Greg Asquith’s second year at the helm, and promises to deliver the league success that has been missing in the past four years.

Following a dream run in the cup competition in 2014, where they progressed to the NNSWF State Cup Final only to be defeated by Broadmeadow, then lost on penalties to South Springvale in the Westfield FFA Cup Round of 32, Asquith’s side will be determined to find success in the PS4 NPL itself.

To assist their cause this season, the Gunners are boosted by the returns of Brad Watters and Nick Russell who were unable to participate in the 2014 season due to injury.

Their key signing for the campaign is Korean attacking midfielder Jung Sang-deok, who arrived in Newcastle with Jets star Ki Ji Lee, attracting the interest of several PS4 NPL clubs, and has won the praise of Asquith and co-captain Matt Grey.

The side from Ulinga Oval enters the 2015 season without club legends Chris Gazzard and Mick Stafford, who have moved on to new chapters in their careers. They also are without the side’s leading goal scorer in 2014, Jamie Byrnes.  

2014 gains Lee Ashton and Ash Balcomb were outstanding last year, and will continue to guide the side from the midfield having further gelled with their teammates over the off season.

Asquith believes his side is well prepared for the upcoming season and is hoping for a better start to that of the 2014 season.

‘We’ve been working quietly behind the scenes to make sure we are prepared. Our pre season has been fairly long and tough, however I believe we will have a full squad to pick from for Round 1. In terms of depth we are a bit deeper than we were last year. We have gained some good young kids and some of the guys who got opportunities last year have that extra twelve months under their belt.’

The club have taken a different direction in terms of leadership, with Nick Russell announced as the 2015 Club Captain, and Matthew Grey and Daniel Johnson announced as the First Grade Co-Captains. Asquith believes each of the trio bring something different to the table in terms of leadership and experience which will benefit the Gunners’ 2015 campaign.

In terms of their biggest strength on the park, the defensive duo of Matt Darr and Matt Grey takes the cake, with Asquith describing the partnership as extremely significant, and fairly, key to his side’s success,

They have a tough opening fixture as they welcome competition newcomers, Maitland, to Ulinga Oval on Sunday afternoon at 2.30pm which should be a cracker of a game.

 

Maitland

2014 Season: 1st place in NEWFM 1st Division (Promoted)
Coach: Chris Turner

Ins

Chris Turner (coach), Matt Thompson, Alex Read, Matt Comerford, Jye Mckellar, Steven Rospigliosi, Josh Casey, Dennis Fajkovic, Zac Hill, James Wand

Outs

Graham Law (Coach), Roger Dowdell, Luke Lawless, David Mudd, Matt Toohey

 

Maitland FC returns to the PS4 National Premier League after twelve long years without first flight football, and are looking to make an instant impact on the competition.

The Magpies, as they are also known, booked their 2015 spot in style after losing just one of their 24 2014 matches.

They have retained their hit man Ben Martin, who was the side’s leading goal scorer in 2014, with 24 goals, and in 2013, with 30 goals. The man with 54 successful strikes in two seasons will spearhead the Magpies’ attack as one of the competition’s biggest threats.

Joining the Magpies this season are new coach Chris Turner, Alex Read from the Queensland NPL, Matt Comerford and Steve Rospigliosi from Adamstown, Dennis Fajkovic from Lambton, Jye Mckellar and James Wand from Weston and Zac Hill from Edgeworth

The biggest acquisition for the Magpies 2015 season, and arguably in their history, is the signing of former Newcastle Jets and Melbourne Heart captain Matt Thompson. Thompson also played for Sydney FC on his way to 221 Hyundai A-League appearances and also has four Australian caps. He will benefit not only Maitland but also the league itself, as he is arguably the competition’s biggest and brightest signing.

Leaving the club is 2014 Head Coach Graham Law, who left an extremely positive mark on the club during his maiden year in charge. Joining Law on the Magpies departure lounge are Roger Dowdell, who follows Law to Adamstown, Luke Lawless, David Mudd, and Matt Toohey.

The Magpies will be disappointed after being knocked out of the Westfield FFA Cup in a 4th Round loss to Charlestown, going down 3-2 despite leading for most of the match.

Their opening fixture is a tough test, away from home against the South Cardiff Gunners, which will be contested on Sunday afternoon at 2.30pm at Ulinga Oval.