Jets coach hopes to sign three players in January
By ROBERT DILLON
Jan. 1, 2016, 7:10 p.m.

JETS coach Scott Miller has revealed he hopes to make three signings during the January transfer window and believes those players can revive his team’s quest for the play-offs.

Newcastle are cashed up after the recent departure of defender Lee Ki-je to his native Korea, which left the Jets with the balance of his contract and a transfer fee to invest in new personnel.

The opportunity to start spending is imminent. The next FIFA transfer window opens on Tuesday and runs until February 2, by which time Miller hopes to have bolstered his squad for the business end of the season.

“I didn’t expect this situation to arise, but the fact it has means we can manipulate our squad and bring in extra players,’’ Miller told the Newcastle Herald. “That’s exciting. Now that it’s a reality, it’s actually very positive because we can bring in some extra quality to the group. It will bring competition for places, which is how a team takes that next step.’’

Miller said the “money is in the bank” and Football Federation Australia, which owns the Jets, has authorised a mini spending spree.

He said discussions were already advanced with “a handful” of players and it was now a matter of determining who would be the most suitable acquisition.

“Ideally you’d like to bring in another five players, but we can’t afford that,’’ he said. “So I’d like three players, and that’s feasible financially.

“That’s the strategy at this point. Financially we want to bring in three players to put some pressure on the starting 11 and add some quality to the squad.’’

Miller said the right players could lift his team in the race for the finals.

“It’s the energy thing,’’ he said.

“I’ve always seen that when new players come in in January, not only is there extra quality but often a new personality who helps drive the group.’’

Miller said Newcastle had the option of signing a visa player to replace Lee but added: “I like a profile of young Australian footballers who have represented Australia at some point.’’

Two players who could potentially interest the Jets are Central Coast midfielder Adrian Caceres and Nick Fitzgerald, who appear on the outer after being stood down from Thursday night’s win against Wellington.

There was speculation on Friday that Caceres was keen to join former coach Graham Arnold at Sydney, but he would appear to have more prospects of first-team action at the Jets.

Matthew Sim, Glen Trifiro and Anthony Kalik were also omitted from the Mariners’ squad that beat Wellington.

Jets players David Carney and Mark Birighitti are reported to have attracted the interest of clubs overseas.

“If a club comes in with an offer for one of our players, which is financially viable for them and their families, that’s their decision,’’ Miller said. “But it’s clear to me that our players want to be here.’’