AS A Newcastle Jets fan you have to expect the unexpected. But wow, who saw that coming?
I am, of course, talking in relation to Gary van Egmond's decision to quit as Jets manager to join the coaching staff at the Australian Institute of Sport, including heading up the Joeys (Australian U17s).
Certainly one from the blue considering Dutchy, as he is more affably known, had given little indication about the move, nor had any media aired speculation about his exit.
And so, as Newcastle looks set to appoint Technical Director Branko Culina in the short term at least, football forums lit up last night discussing his potential long term replacement.
Sitting here waiting for the Confederations Cup third place play off, I deemed it the ideal time to assess the merits of the names being bandied about...and practise my bookmaking skills to create some hypothetical odds on the appointment. Who have I missed, what odds are wrong and who's your money on?
Branko Culina - $2.50
Reasonably experienced and already the Jets' TD, Culina was (in my view) unfortunate to be given the axe by Sydney FC two years back. Many believe Culina is one of the finest coaches in Oz without an A-League managerial gig, so given a proper chance he could do well. Short timeframe to the start of the A-League enhances Culina's odds, as does the fact he's a good chum of Con's, but does he have the full support of the dressing room?
Mark Jones - $3.50
Current Assistant Coach, Jones knows the playing staff at the Jets as well as anyone. With the A-League on the horizon, would it be best just to keep things as normal as possible whilst perhaps promoting Craig Deans to Jones' assistant? Certainly, Jones hasn't had the longest apprenticeship, but as current 2 I.C. should he get first shot at the top job?
Graham Arnold - $4.00
It was openly aired last week that Arnold was well in the frame to take over at the Mariners for Lawrie McKinna, until the club baulked at giving McKinna his rightful contract payout. If he is indeed hunting down an A-League role, what better time then to put his name forward for the vacant Newcastle post. Personally, I'm not sold given the inglorious efforts of the Socceroos and Olyroos under his management, but still a valid candidate.
Ange Postecoglou - $5.50
The ex-South Melbourne coach has been without a role since leaving Greek side Panachaiki in December 2008 and may fancy his first chance in the A-League. It'd be kind of ironic too, considering Dutchy is leaving to coach the Joeys...the team Postecoglou was in charge of for so long.
Overseas coach - $7.00
Although the Jets haven't ventured overseas for a coach since Richard Money in the inaugural A-League season, the history of Newcastle Jets is littered with questionable decisions. This would be another one given the risk involved and the short time span the recruit would have to make the team gel, but with Football Director Remo Nogarotto based in Italy, still possible.
All other coaches - $10+
Kosmina, Okon et al fit this category. Interestingly, a poll on the potential coach on newcastlefootball.net (as of 11.05pm last night) has Kosmina with no votes. If the fans' view counts for anything, count Kosmina out!
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I offer my personal thanks to Gary van Egmond for his time served not only as Newcastle Jets manager, but in various Assistant and Youth Team capacities in Newcastle football. Although you leave on a loss Gary, we'll never forget who guided us to our maiden A-League title...your place in Newcastle football folklore is forever etched.
