Troubled A-League club Newcastle Jets have secured their future, announcing they’ve found new owners who promise a “new era” ahead.
Subject to approval by the Australian Professional Leagues and regulatory processes by Football Australia, Maverick Sports Partners will take control of the club.
For the past three years, the Jets have been co-funded by the Wellington Phoenix and three other A-League clubs after owner Martin Lee was stripped of the club’s A-Licence for failing to invest in the club and meet its debts.
Newcastle Jets chief executive Shane Mattiske said: “Today is a hugely significant day for this club and this community, as we confirm Maverick Sports Partners as the new owners of the Jets.
“Over the last three years, we have built a strong foundation for the future of this football club, and it is exciting to be beginning a new era with incoming owners who believe in the opportunity that exists with this club, with this community and with football as a whole.
“Throughout our process, Maurice Bisetto, the consortium representative, and his partners have demonstrated a deep understanding of football and how to bring success.
“They also understand this community and their plans are very much aligned with the work that is already underway. I know the group will bring positive new thinking, new connections and a wealth of experience that will drive the growth of this club moving forward.”
Mattiske acknowledged the outgoing ownership group and the efforts by the Phoenix, Sydney, Western Sydney and Western United to keep the club operating.
“I want to acknowledge the commitment and contribution they have made to us all. Their huge support of this club will forever be remembered,” he said.
The Maverick Sports Partners group is led by experienced sports administrator Maurice Bisetto who played a major part in the establishment of Western United FC in the A-Leagues.
“We have been impressed by the strength of football here in this region. We know there is a strong historical fanbase and a strong participation base here and we want to bring all of these people together for our men’s and women’s games,” he said.
“We have a focus on building a strong and sustainable club. However, we can’t do this by ourselves. For the club to be strong, the community has to get behind us. Being at games, supporting the team and becoming members is critical in terms of creating a strong club.
“We know that there is a thriving economy here in Newcastle and the Hunter and this was important element in our decision to commit to the Jets.
“We will make a commitment to a competitive football club. However, for us all to have a strong and sustainable club, we need the backing of corporate and government partners from the region.
“In terms of talent, we have been impressed with the local players that are coming through the development systems throughout Northern NSW and through the Jets Academy.
“As we now take control, you’ll see an even stronger focus on bringing through local talent and investing in trying to develop them into top A-League men’s and women’s players. We will also make sure our elite coaching and football structures support this talent development.”
More football stories
