Jets change offers peek at Knights' future: Culina
Newcastle Herald
Thursday March 31, 2011
JETS coach Branko Culina said yesterday that Knights members only need look at the transformation of his club for proof of the benefits billionaire Nathan Tinkler can bring.The Jets, champions three years ago, were on the brink of collapse when Tinkler took over the A-League licence from Con Constantine last year.The horse racing and mining magnate admitted he had little interest in soccer but did not want to see the national league flagship lost to the community.Since that landmark day on September 22, the Jets have had a complete makeover."I have coached at some of Australia's biggest clubs - Sydney FC, Sydney United, Sydney Olympic - but none come close to what we have in operation at the Jets now," Culina said."It is not just about creating a team but a great club. I actually feel like a coach."At the forefront has been Tinkler's desire to make the club more for the community.He slashed the price of family passes, gave under 15 supporters free entry and held a community day.Undoubtedly the highlight has been the visit by David Beckham and the LA Galaxy, which attracted a full house at EnergyAustralia Stadium."For all the good things Con Constantine did, apart from when we won the title, he was not able to unite the community like when Becks was here," Culina said."You cannot bring someone like David Beckham to town unless you have the finances."Like the NRL, the A-League operates under a salary cap but has the exceptions of overseas, Australia and under-23 marquee positions.It is here that increased funding has already come to the fore in the signing of the A-League's top Australian player, Culina's son Jason, on a three-year deal worth $2.65 million.Other improvements at the Jets have been in the club's resources.Tinkler has provided the funds for eight new full-time staff and bolstered the front office.Other initiatives include the formation of an advisory board, commitment to the W-League side and junior development."Not once has Nathan said this is his team," Culina said."He has taken a genuine interest, which is refreshing, and is also committed to ensuring we have a chance of winning every year."Apart from the Knights, Tinkler has plans to return a National Basketball League side to Newcastle and establish a trans-Tasman netball league team."I'm excited about the prospect of Team Newcastle," Culina said."I watched Barcelona play in the final 16 of the Euro basketball league on television the other night."They have the same name and the same colours as the great Barcelona football team."This is an opportunity to present a united sporting front for Newcastle. Some fans may only be interested in one code, but I can see it only as a positive."
© 2011 Newcastle Herald
