Poljak and Haliti leave Wanderers for Jets

Newcastle Jets has strengthened its squad with the signings of Western Sydney Wanderers duo Mateo Poljak and Labinot Haliti.

Newcastle Jets Western Sydney Wanderers Mateo Poljak Labinot Haliti

Mateo Poljak has moved north to join Newcastle Jets (AAP) Source: AAP

Both players have signed two-year deals with the Jets and the A-League club's coach Scott Miller is delighted to have landed midfielder Poljak and attacker Haliti - who will start a third spell with the club.

"Mateo will provide composure and leadership in our midfield, and we see it as a major coup for the club that we have been able to attain his services," Miller said.

"Labinot is a noted A-League performer and someone who offers us flexibility in our attacking systems.

"As with Mateo, Labinot boasts experience in tough European leagues and has shown that he is a winner through his personal and team exploits with Wanderers.

"With their understanding of the competition we will be looking for Mateo and Labinot to help us set continually high standards on and off the field."
Croatian midfielder Poljak, 25, who becomes the third foreigner on the club's books, said he was 'definitely looking forward' to playing for the Jets.

"I have been talking to players who have been here before and they say that it's a good region, and that there's a good base of fans and a lot of support for the Newcastle Jets," Poljak said.

"Those fans deserve that this club gets back on track to where it belongs, and this is the best way to start it.

"When Scott [Miller] first called me I said to my wife that ‘he was very enthusiastic’. Seeing his history with Fulham, being engaged with the Socceroos and knowing his age and ambition, I knew straight away that this was a good move. I really liked his way of communication."

Haliti, who has made 92 A-League appearances for Newcastle in two previous spells with the club, was full of enthusiasm about returning to the Jets - and also being reunited with assistant coach Jean-Paul de Marigny.

"One thing I know that Newcastle people want is a 100 per cent effort," Haliti said. "I am looking forward to helping the team in any way that I can.

"The main factor that I am here today is thanks to the boss [Miler] and 'JP' [de Marigny]. 'JP’ is actually the one who gave me a debut 10 years ago in Newcastle, so I have a lot of respect for him and the boss for showing faith in me and bringing me back."

The Wanderers earlier confirmed the pair would depart the club, with both players expressing their gratitude to Tony Popovic's side.
"Both Mateo and Labinot have been absolutely outstanding ambassadors for this club since our formation and while their time here now comes to a close they will be remembered for their achievements on the field and the attitude and values they exhibited off it," Wanderers CEO John Tsatsimas said.

"Their time with the club saw us go through a period of unprecedented success and they will forever be fondly remembered by all members of the Wanderers family."


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3 min read
Published 22 July 2015 10:15am
Updated 22 July 2015 10:43am
Source: SBS

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