Great news guys! Following a "series of confidential negotiations with the FFA", Hunter Sports Group, the owners of the Jets, have agreed to honour the remaining 10 years on their license. They have released an open letter to their fans...Shall I post it here? Yeah, why not, it'll pad out the article.
"A letter to Members and supporters
We are aware you have been
through a tough month after the Hunter Sports Group (HSG) returned its
A-League licence. With all the confusion surrounding the situation, it
was difficult to clearly understand what this meant for the future of
the Newcastle Jets. Be assured, during this time our commitment to
football and the region has never wavered.
We are pleased to
confirm that following a series of confidential negotiations with the
Football Federation of Australia (FFA), the HSG has agreed to continue
and honour its 10 year licence agreement.
This outcome quite
simply would not have been possible without Nathan Tinkler's generosity,
the total commitment of HSG's CEO Troy Palmer or the passion and
enthusiasm shown by our members towards the Newcastle Jets.
We
take confidence from the FFA's determination to have the HSG continue
its work with the community, to continue building a model that is
recognised as the best in the league. We now take this confidence
forward.
We also would like to thank our members for fighting for the existence of an A-League team in the Hunter.
Unfortunately
there has been a lot of inaccuracies written and spoken in the media
about this process and how it unfolded. This is not the time for
recriminations. It is a time to celebrate that decisions have now been
made and are being made that will benefit football and ensure a much
more secure future for the code throughout Australia.
It will not
benefit the healing process to elaborate on the Jets licence fee and how
it came about, the long running Jason Culina insurance matter and what
steps are now being introduced to ensure that the A-League becomes a
great football competition with a sustainable financial structure and
business plan.
We are pleased to confirm after detailed
negotiation and discussion, the HSG and the FFA have agreed on a
conciliatory outcome. This is a great win for the Hunter region with the
Newcastle Jets remaining in the A-League and the competition
restructured with a more secure financial footing and base.
There
are still many innovations and changes to be made to make the A-League
an even better competition and for the Jets to rebuild a team around our
many exciting young local talents but with the best of endeavours and
spirits we are moving forward.
We thank the many members, fans and
corporate partners for their support and for the many that understood
our position that was to take a stand when there was no other option.
Above
all, to the players, management and coaching staff who showed your true
support and loyalty, thank you. You are the true believers.
Now is the time to unite as our focus returns to football and winning Championships for the Hunter.
We offer you our hand to come back on board for a truly exciting ride.
Kind Regards
Robbie Middleby
Newcastle Jets CEO"
Now my article looks huge, woot.
I'm not sure how this will affect the Jets team. The way I see it, it will work in one of two ways. Either people's confidence in the side will have been shattered, attendance will drop as fans who have worked up an intense hatred of HSG will stop showing up, and the club will have to do a massive drive to get them back, or people will see the group's point of view, and see them championing a reform in the FFA, and respect them for that. What is best for the club now is that the fans rally around it and try to regain some stability.
Having seen some of the protests and fan forums on the subject, it seems that most fans are desparate not to see the Jets disappear, so I'm hoping we won't lose them. People in the Hunter - Don't give up on your team. Show up in numbers. Support them. Who knows, HSG could now be inclined to pump some more investment into the area and the club to try and win back supporters.
It really will be an exciting ride.
Written by Peter Duke
