'The goal posts continued to shift': Newcastle withdraw O'Donovan offer

Newcastle Jets are not re-signing forward Roy O'Donovan for the Hyundai A-League 2019/20 season.

According to the club, negotiations with the Irishman broke down last week and the Jets withdrew their offer for O'Donovan's services.

O'Donovan, 33, joined the Hunter Valley outfit in April 2017 from local rivals Central Coast Mariners.

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“We made a number of generous offers to Roy and his management,” Newcastle CEO Lawrie McKinna told the club website.

“Talks began [about re-signing] midway through the season, with serious discussions beginning about two months ago.

“As Ernie [Merrick], Joel [Griffiths] and myself said from the beginning we wanted to keep Roy and did everything within reason to extend his stay in Newcastle.

“We were close on a number of occasions, but unfortunately from our perspective the goal posts continued to shift."

O'Donovan finished the club's 2018/19 Golden Boot winner with 11 goals. He scored 20 goals in 35 Hyundai A-League appearances for the Jets.

“It was disappointing as the club has stood by and supported him through some difficult circumstances," said McKinna.