Jets wait...and wait for El Tel

[Rex]

SBS
Newcastle United Jets' bold bid to lure Terry Venables appears to have stalled yet again with the former England and Socceroos manager busy with his TV obligations.

"People keep asking me when I'm coming out and what job I'll be doing [for Newcastle]. The truth is, I may very well come to Australia and have a look at the [Jets] set up, it's certainly something I'm considering," Venables told the Daily Telegraph.

"But there are difficulties and right now I can't commit to anything concrete. I'm still talking [to Newcastle's football director Remo Nogarotto] and hopefully we can sort it out."

Venables is contracted to a British TV network until the end of the Champions League, which ends in late May, while the Jets want him in Australia to assist the club's preparations for the Club World Championship qualifiers that kick-off in early May.

After almost a year of negotiations with Venables, the Jets have not given up hope of persuading the one-time Barcelona, Leeds and Middlesbrough boss of making the long trip down-under.

"We certainly haven't given up on Terry. We're neither optimistic nor pessimistic. We've made Terry an offer and we're working through it. The ball is in his court," Jets football director Nogarotto explained.

Meanwhile, former Australian national team captain Paul Okon - out of contract with his Belgium club Oostende at the end of June - is expected to reject a $250,000-a-year offer from the Jets.

[giff]

for the sake of the a-league succeding i hope he never comes

[Rex]

How come?