It's been a mixed bag for the Jets of late, with the year looking like it'll end on a pretty poor note. An away loss to the Mariners, a home loss to Sydney FC and a trip to windy Wellington this weekend would have most fans feeling pretty gloomy.

The only shining light recently has been the game against Melbourne Victory. A great game, the atmosphere was first class, the banner display on the Eastern Stand was superb and the win against what was supposed to be THE team of this season was possibly enough to keep most fans happy for a while.

However, I am starting to wonder "what are we doing, Gary?" What's the plan and why isn't it bringing results?

Some pundits are saying that the players don't have heart or passion, and that they're strolling around like Kings for a Day but getting caught with their pants down. Others are already baying for van Egmond's blood, suggesting he is to blame for the Jets "downfall". It's all a bit premature. It might even be a case of square pegs in round holes, at least in midfield. As for our defence, let's not go there, it's been pretty shaky for a while now.

Gary was quoted in the local paper today as saying an away win at Wellington would be a real statement. Well, yes it would since the Jets haven't won there since 1876. It would definitely make Christmas a little brighter. He's also been quoted as saying that he might vary the formation to a 4-4-2. Blimey, I thought managers could do that in the middle of game, even without a press release. Apparently not.

For those of you who didn't hear it, there was a very interesting interview with Branko Culina a week or two ago that is floating around in cyberspace. He was asked very direct questions about the termination of his contract, and after saying he couldn't say much, he explained how it happened.

Shortly after the A-League opening shindig, he was due to visit the offices of his boss Mr Tinkler in his Sydney office. He was told that due to the situation with Jason, he wouldn't be able to work at the club any more.

Branko didn't give much more detail than that, but the strong impression he gave was that the club had decided to annul Jason's contract and they therefore considered that Branko wouldn't or shouldn't be there any more. He said that the two things were completely separate and he's probably right from a factual perspective. The board obviously thought that that Branko would be angered by their decision to renege on Jason's contract and would no longer be able to work to the best of his ability with the club.

It's a tricky one. Would Branko have been able to keep his mind on coaching while his son was being shafted by the very same club? Maybe. Maybe not. The club took to second view. I understand that the club is trying to come to a settlement with both Culinas. Which means they'll give them lots of money, they'll sign a confidentiality agreement and we'll never really know what happened.

Jason is keen to work harder than ever to return to football in the A-League. Given his history and workmanlike approach, I'd back him to return.

Merry Christmas Jets fans, let's hope it brings us 3 points.