Francis Jeffers has experienced a significant journey since his debut for Everton against Manchester United at Old Trafford when he was just 16 years old.
On Boxing Day in 1997, this was five years prior to another young talent, Wayne Rooney, making his mark for the Toffees with a debut goal against Arsenal.
While Rooney has achieved success with both United and England, Jeffers’ career has been marked by inconsistency.
However, he is now looking to revive this inconsistent career with Newcastle Jets in their match against Adelaide United on Saturday, which they won 3-1, displaying a sharp performance with the ball.
His early career started promisingly, as Jeffers became joint top scorer alongside Alan Shearer for England’s under-21s. He even found the net during his only senior cap in a surprising 3-1 defeat to the Socceroos at Upton Park in 2003.
Impressed by Jeffers’ goal-scoring abilities, Arsene Wenger, the Arsenal manager, decided to invest $15 million to bring him to north London.
Unfortunately, Jeffers struggled to adapt.
His career was hindered by injuries as well as notable conflicts with managers.
He had stints with Charlton Athletic, Blackburn Rovers, Ipswich Town, and Sheffield Wednesday. At Sheffield Wednesday, their last match against Crystal Palace resulted in relegation for the team at the end of the previous season.
Now at 29, Jeffers is positioned in the Hunter region as the first signing, albeit on a 10-match guest basis, following mining magnate Nathan Tinkler’s takeover of the Jets two months ago.
Coach Branko Culina will look to Jeffers to enhance the Jets’ goal-scoring efforts this season, as the team has managed only five goals across 11 matches.
Additionally, a spokesman for the Jets confirmed that the returfing work at EnergyAustralia Stadium has passed inspection and is ready for play after the surface was damaged last month.
In a further uplifting development for the club, local junior Ben Katarovski has signed a new three-year contract.