Dutchman Thien-Fooh was introduced to the Bears players by coach Kew Jaliens, who is assembling a young but talented squad for the 2019 NPL season.

Jaliens said he expected the young Dutchman to have a big impact once he had settle in.

The Bears have added several players to their list and welcomed back two former Bears.

Jamie Subat returns to the team to play alongside long-time teammate Nathan Morris to give the young Bears experience. 

Also back in the Bears strip is Zach Sneddon after a successful stint in the US playing college soccer.

Among the new faces are former Emerging Jets player Caleb Cox, Liam Wilson, a creative midfielder who spent time with the Central Coast Mariners and Victorian brothers Sam and Jack Kamper who played state league football with Dandenong and moved to the Hunter with their parents.

Former Valentine and Adamstown shot-stopper Scott Carter has made to move out to Weston and will fill goal-keeping duties.

Jaliens said he could not be happier with the teams development at this stage of their preparation.

“We’ve got a good group of boys in the squad who want to prove themselves,” he said.

“Some of the boys are new to the club and want to show their worth. Others have been here through the lean times over the past few years and want to show they are better than those results.

“Talent is important, but culture and a willingness to work hard to get results for the club and your teammates are very important to me.

“This squad is demonstrating they have that.

“Even coming back on Sunday for a working bee, we had boys travel from the Central Coast to take part.”

Jaliens said the 18s and 20s squads had played in the Heritage Cup and progressed to the semi-final stage.

The Bears defeated Cessnock City 3-1 on Saturday night at Turner Park with goals from Liam Nivison and Kamper, as well as a penalty from Subat,

The young team plays Lake Macquarie City on Wednesday at Speers Point at 8pm in the second of two semi-finals. It follows the game between Edgeworth Eagles and West Wallsend.

The two winning sides will square off in the Ampcontrol Heritage Cup final on Saturday at Rockwell Automation Park at 6.30pm, while the losers of those matches will play in a third placed playoff at 5pm.

Jaliens said first grade had a separate trial schedule which continues on Sunday at home against the Lambton Jaffas. After that they are also at Weston on Saturday, February 23 against Sydney NPL team Hakoah.