NEW Jets owner Martin Lee has kicked off a public relations offensive in his homeland by telling journalists in Beijing that he would like to see a Chinese player on Newcastle’s A-League roster.
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The Ledman Group chairman joined Football Federation Australia boss David Gallop, Jets chief executive Lawrie McKinna and former Newcastle and Beijing Guoan star Joel Griffiths on stage at a media conference at Beijing’s Crowne Plaza.
The club said in a statement that about 100 journalists had attended the media briefing, which was designed to promote the first Chinese foray into Australian club football.
Lee is also believed to be the first Chinese businessman to own 100 per cent of a club competing in a foreign first division.
The Jets statement said Lee’s address included an aim “for at least one Chinese player to be signed to the club’s squad in due course”.
It was unclear when the new owner hoped to have one of his countrymen on the club’s books.
Lee also reiterated his goal of qualifying for the Asian Champions League within three years and encouraging Chinese sponsors to become involved with the club.
Lee and Gallop were interviewed by online sports media platform Lanxiong Sport and Beijing Television after the press conference.
The Jets delegation also met representatives from the Chinese FA on Wednesday before flying to Shenzhen to tour the Ledman headquarters and meet with local government officials. They are due to attend a banquet on Thursday night with journalists in Shenzhen.
