1 week Ago By James Gardiner
JETS keeper Noah James will be sidelined for at least the F3 Derby after suffering concussion in a bizzare mishap during Newcastle's warm-up on Sunday. Login or signup to continue reading James was struck flush in the face by a Lachie Rose volley from close range as the Jets prepared to take on Wellington at McDonald Jones Stadium. He was thrown backwards by the force of the shot and slammed the back of his head into the ground.
Shaken, James had to be assisted to the dressing rooms. Ryan Scott was elevated to the starting side and made a series of brilliant saves despite the Jets losing 2-1. '"I was pretty groggy straight away but tried to get through it," James said.
"It got worse pretty quickly. I was throwing up in the sheds and struggling with the light and how loud it was. Mum was at the game and the doctors told her to get me home and monitor me.
If it got any worse I was to go to the hospital." James was still suffering symptons - a ringing headache - when he consulted club doctors Neil Halpin and Kenneth Lee on Monday. Under A-League concussion protocols, James will sit out the visit by the Mariners on Saturday night, which would have been the 24-year-old's first derby.
"From what I understand, there is a seven day return-to-play program once the symptons stop," James said. "I still have a ringing headache today. I'm hoping to be OK tomorrow, then it will be seven says from then.
I will miss the derby but hopefully I'm back after that." James made his A-League debut in 2019 - a 3-0 win over Wellington - but had to wait until round 18 this season against Melbourne Victory on February 8 for his second start. He had played seven straight games before the wipeout in the warm-up.
"I was pretty shattered to be fair," the Jets academy product said. "When the boys went out to play the game, I sat in the sheds with the doctor and thought I have waited this long to get my chance. For something unlucky like that to randomly happen in a warm-up.
Hopefully I don't have to wait as long to get back in the side." Rose and Scott were among the first to check in on James Monday morning. "Rosey messaged me today and felt really bad," James said.
"It wasn't his fault. It was a cross into the six-yard box. It was that close, I didn't worry about saving it.
I was preparing for the next cross. As I have turned, it has whacked into my face. He caught it pretty sweet too.
"I saw it but didn't react fast enough. Most of the boys have checked in to see how I am going. "When it is a head knock everyone is worried.
Mum kept a close eye on me Sunday night. My nose is pretty swollen but I can breathe properly. I feel a lot better today.
" Scott, who had made 42 consecutive appearances before replaced by James, will start against the Mariners. Youth team keeper Jordy Baylis will be on the bench. After the Mariners, the Jets are away to Sydney FC on April 20.
Tain Drinkwater will take over as the chief executuve of the Newcastle Jets next month. Drinkwater starts on May 1 and replaces Shane Mattiske, who parted ways with the A-League club in mid December. Drinkwater, who was born and bred in Lake Macquarie, has extensive experience across elite sport and mining resource sectors.
She has previously been the CEO of Netball NSW, which included the Swifts and Giants. Drinkwater joins the Jets from the National Rugby League where she was Executive General Manager - Performance and Pathways. "With over twenty years of experience in senior management and executive roles, Tain brings a wealth of leadership expertise and strategic vision to the Newcastle Jets," Maverick Sports Partners executive director Maurice Bisetto said in a statement.
"Her connection to the community, proven track record of driving innovation, fostering growth, and navigating complex business decisions through her leadership will be invaluable as we continue to grow the Newcastle Jets to new heights." Drinkwater was excited to return to Newcastle and lead the Jets "The club has a deep history across Newcastle and the Hunter, and we want to be a football club that is the pride of our region," she said in a statement. "I am looking forward to spending time in the community and with our partners to build greater connection to the club and with the support of Maverick Sports Partners, we are committed to the long term success of the Jets with the ambition of becoming one of the leading sporting organisations in Australia.
" James Gardiner, chief football and rugby writer at the Newcastle Herald. James Gardiner, chief football and rugby writer at the Newcastle Herald. Daily Today's top stories curated by our news team.
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