STEVEN Ugarkovic hopes for a return to Europe down the track but the midfielder believes the best thing right now for him – and the Newcastle Jets – is stability.
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Ugarkovic was named the Jets’ player of the year, an award voted on by his peers, at the club’s presentation dinner on Saturday night.
“It was excited just to be nominated,” Ugarkovic said. “I’m really honoured to be voted for by my peers. They see the hard work that I put in. That is the bit I enjoy, getting the work done that most people don’t see. They (teammates) see it. To be recognised by my peers is amazing.”
Signed halfway through the 2015-16 season by Scott Miller, Ugarkovic will next season be playing under his third coach in 18 months.
Jets chief executive Lawrie McKinna has compiled a shortlist of candidates for owner Martin Lee. Two-time A-League championship winner Ernie Merrick remains favourite for the position. The Newcastle Herald understands that Lee will interview a couple of overseas applicants, including former Blackburn manager Steve Kean, in China early next week before a decision is made.
“Stability within the club, that is a big thing for team chemistry and team morale,” Ugarkovic said. “If we get that, we can move forward and do really well. The foundations are there. We just need that little bit of luck and also a little creativity in the final third ... that touch, that shot, that finish or that pass. ”
Ugarkovic signed a two-year contract extension in December, but a return to Europe is also in the picture.
The ball-winning midfielder spent four years in Croatia from age 17.
For me it is a dream to play in the Champions League. Next year is a big year for me.
- Steve Ugarkovic
“For me it is a dream to play in the Champions League,” he said. “I want to do that by age 27. Next year is a big year for me. I want to become a goal-scoring midfielder. That will take my game to the next level. That is at the top of my list in the off-season. I get into good positions and need to take my chances. This was a big season for me game-time wise. I started in 24 games which I’m really proud of. Now it is about making goals and assists and then heading to Europe. I want to play in one of the top five leagues. If that means I have to go to Belgium or Denmark first – if that is the next step – I’m willing to make a sacrifice.”
Meanwhile, striker Morten Nordstrand has completed his commitments with the Jets. The 33-year-old Dane flew out to Copenhagen on Tuesday. He enjoyed his time in Newcastle but said it was time for his young family to “return home”. He hopes to play another season in Denmark before moving into coaching.
