“We love it here and everyone is excited to be coming back,” he told the Port News after a visit to the Regional Sports Stadium on Wednesday.

“Our organisation has a familiarity with the area.

“The set-up is fantastic, the relationship between the Jets and Port Macquarie-Hastings Council as well as local football officials is strong, and the response from fans is pleasing.”

The Jets tackle the Melbourne Victory in the Pre-Season Cup at Port Macquarie’s premier sporting venue on Saturday, August 2, and their players and coaching staff will host a three-day clinic at Wayne Richards Park from July 15 to 17.

“While the region continues to support our club, we’ll always give something back,” Tsatsimas admitted.

“That’s one of the reasons we keep returning.

“And, we hope the bond remains for some time.”

The Gary Van Egmond-coached Jets upstaged the Central Coast Mariners 1-0 in the A-League decider … and Tsatsimas is confident they’ll be among the frontrunners again in 2008-09.

“It’s a different platform for the club – a new frontier as defending premiers.

“We’ve gone from the Hunter to the hunted,” he added with a laugh.

“But, I’m sure we’ll be competitive, not only in the A-League but also the Asian Champions League.”

Even though the Jets have lost the likes of grand final hero Mark Bridge and Stuart Musialik from its roster, the club has recruited strongly.

“We’ve signed a couple of handy players, with a few more to come,” Tsatsimas explained.

“Midfielder Shaun Ontong is an outstanding footballer, while AIS striker Jason Naidovski will be a focal point in attack.

“Add guys like Kaz Patafta and Ben Kantarovski to a squad, which already contains Jade North, Joel and Adam Griffiths, Ante Covic and James Hollard, and we’re in good shape.

“The newly-formed National Youth League is also important for us.

“It will give local junior talent an opportunity to shine on a big stage – and prepare them for the A-League.”