JETS coach Carl Robinson has identified two young Australian strikers as potential replacements for Adbiel Arroyo after the Panamanian signed with Israeli club Maccabi Petah Tikva.
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The Jets had been in talks with Arroyo about a second season, but given the likely reduction in the salary cap, couldn't meet the wage demands of the 26-year-old who scored two goals in 17 appearances.
"There are players who we can't guarantee anything to at the moment based on circumstances," Robinson said. "Did I think we could get to the numbers he was looking for this year? No. Due to the salary can reduction we are going to have to reset where we go."
Rather than recruit another established striker, Robinson's preference is to go with Roy O'Donovan and bring in younger, fringe attackers to develop.
It's a different approach to previous coach Ernie Merrick, who built his squad top heavy with goal-scorers.
"For me, there is no point having senior players or mid-range players who are in the prime of their career, on the bench, especially ones earning a lot of money," Robinson said.
"I have said since I come in here that I want to bring in younger players who we can coach and develop. I know Arroyo is only 26. I will be looking in the market of players aged 17, 18 up to 23.
"There are two I have highlighted who are playing in the A-League. They will be my first option. They are Australian boys who have had glimpses of it and flirted with it but haven't been giving a decent run."
Both players are contracted but, given that clubs will be operating under reduced budgets next season, deals can be struck.
Roy O'Donovan and Connor O'Toole were released by Brisbane last season to join the Jets.
"When you have a reduced salary cap or budget to the bigger teams, the thing you are able to do is give young players more minutes, more time," Robinson said. "That's the attractive thing we can offer. I want to be youth driven. We have a core of young players who have been in the league three or four years. I want more of them. I prefer to have more youth and a sprinkling of older players."
Arroyo's takeoff is likely to improve the chances of captain Nigel Boogaard re-signing.
"Will there be a little bit more money to strengthen elsewhere? Possibly,if I go young up front," Robinson said. "We have a number set aside for Boogs because we want to keep him. Are we far off? No. Do I think we will get it over the line? Yes. Is it done yet? No. It might be that we rob Peter to pay Paul."
Arroyo's departure, follows the mid-season exit of Kaine Sheppard and leaves O'Donovan and Kosta Petratos as the genuine No.9's on the roster.
"Roy is a proven goal-scoring in this league," Robinson said. "His record is one [goal] in two [games]. Kosta suited the profile of a back up [striker] better than Kaine because he is five years younger. I want to carry three forwards. Bernie [Ibini] can play up front as well, but at the moment we have two with Roy and Kosta."
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