A-League side Newcastle Jets "have recently been purchased" by Chinese businessman Martin Lee, and his dream of "connecting his homeland with Australia -- the current champions of Asia -- is starting to come to fruition," according to Rob Brooks of ESPN.com. Lee, "who also invests heavily in Chinese football through Shenzhen Renren, as well as European football," could become one of the game's "more influential figures in time." For now, though, with the Jets' first competitive game under his ownership about to take place, Lee is "simply enjoying the potential that exists within his investment." He said, "China and Australia are close partners, and are relatively complementary. Football is a significant link, and Newcastle Jets will be an essential carrier not only to promote the cultural, sports and tourism communication between the two countries, but also the same with Newcastle and Shenzhen as cities." Lee's aspirations "are lofty." But with Newcastle having not qualified for the A-League finals series in six seasons, "there is much for the CEO and Chairman of the Ledman Group to accomplish before he reaches his ultimate goal." The pressure to advance Chinese football "is something Lee is relishing." He said, "Based on the ambition of the Chinese society to promote football, I hope I can play an important part in the progress of the Chinese football industry achieving huge success and victory in the next 20 years. Chinese society speaks highly of the acquisition of a top A-League club like the Newcastle Jets" (ESPN.com, 8/2).
