Jets turn to Facebook to find overseas talent

Newcastle Jets are harnessing the power of Facebook to unearth foreign talent as they seek to bolster their roster for next season.

The Facebook iconic 'like' symbol and former Newcastle Jets goalkeeper Mark Brighitti Source: Getty Images

With his eye on attracting a Diego Castro-like visa signing, football operations chief Joel Griffiths - whose playing career took in China, England and Switzerland and France - has turned to the web to scour his far-flung Facebook contacts in a novel approach to player recruitment.

Though the as yet un-named new Jets coach will have the final say, club legend Griffiths is doing his best to provide some interesting options when Mark Jones's replacement is announced.

"We have a foreign (marquee) spot we want to fill and are searching under every rock to find that player," declared Griffiths.

"It's amazing how helpful Facebook can be - there are people I played with in France and Switzerland who I've reached out to for recommendations on players in their leagues.

"We have done a similar thing with players in the MLS, and it's incredible the feedback you can get through that Facebook forum.

"It's a good thing, though obviously it's really important you trust the judgement of those you're talking to."

The Jets, who plan to unveil a new coach imminently, have 10 players coming off contract including imports Morten Nordstrand, Ma Leilei and Mateo Poljak - none of whom look likely to be retained.

Finnish forward Aleksandr Kokko has a year remaining on his two-year whilst Englishman Wayne Brown has two seasons left on his contract.

Highly prized import Rory O'Donovan has just penned a two-year agreement in a significant boost for the wooden spooners.

"Whoever does eventually come in will have a stronger squad than in previous seasons to pick from," insisted Griffiths.

"We have some really good players on our shortlist for available positions ... players I rate highly from my playing days."