$1million man: Jade heads north for marquee deal with new franchise
BY JAMES GARDINER
3/11/2008 10:53:00 PM
NEWCASTLE Jets captain Jade North has agreed to terms on a three-year deal worth more than a million dollars to join new A-League club North Queensland from next season.
Confirmation of North's move yesterday was a double blow for the Jets, who were still coming to terms with the shock departure of Edmundo Zura.
North, 26, will become the Townsville-based club's marquee player and indigenous ambassador.
The Herald understands the deal also includes exit clauses if North is successful in securing an overseas move. Under the terms, North Queensland will release him from his contract if he signs with an overseas club before July 1.
They have also agreed to a maximum transfer fee of $400,000 if he wants to move at the end of his first year.
North had preliminary talks with the Jets but in the end the North Queensland deal was too good to refuse.
"It was a tough decision," North said. "I love Newcastle and everything about it: the place, the players, the fans.
"They have been fantastic, but this was an opportunity which does not come along very often.
"I had to take it.
"I have a family and have to do what is right for them."
North etched his name in Newcastle football history when he led the Jets to the title last season and is one of only four originals alongside Matt Thompson, Tarek Elrich and Jobe Wheelhouse.
He will remain as captain for the remainder of the season and will also be available for the the group stage of the Jets' Asian Champions League campaign next year.
"My heart will always be at Newcastle," North said. "I was born in Taree and consider this home, but players come and go. That is football.
"My job as captain is to lead the team out and defend the title. I just hope the fans understand I am here to play and finish the season off.
"I have loved my time here. The fans have been great to me, and I really want to go out with a bang."
The Jets have already signed Joel Griffiths as the marquee player for next season a deal similar to what North has secured.
Coach Gary van Egmond was disappointed to lose North but said they could not match North Queensland's offer.
"The amount of money North Queensland is talking about is way in excess of what we could afford," the coach said.
"You never like losing any of your players, especially ones who have been here a long period and, more importantly, the captain of your team.
"But that is football."
