Culina returns to the SFS tomorrow as a coach for the first time since his axing midway through the 2007-8 season.

However, he says his sights aren't simply on beating Sydney FC this season and that the Jets have to show they are better than the wooden spooners they currently are.

Speaking to au.fourfourtwo.com Culina said: "We all have a point to prove.  Champions one year, wooden spoon the following season. People have almost forgotten that we won a championship two years ago. We have to prove we're better than last place."

As for a return to the Sydney Football Stadium on Sunday, Culina is looking forward to the match against his old employer.

"I've got pride. The way I went out at Sydney FC was not the way I would have liked," says Culina.  "I was hailed as a hero during the ACL and then eight weeks later I was a disasater, I can't coach, I'm past it. It's stupid talk.  

"It does leave a sour taste in your mouth and you say 'hold up, I'm better than that'. I think my history as a coach shows that."

While there is no doubt Culina would gain satisfaction from beating Sydney tomorrow (and throughout the A-League season) it is not about one club.

"There's no point in beating Sydney and then not winning any other games. It's all about making sure that we as Newcastle are far better than we produced last year.  

"It's about grafting a result. That's the thing I like about Sydney FC now. They're getting results. It's a winning habit. 

"But as I've said, t's not only about what I do. It's about what we (the players and the club as a whole) do."

Meanwhile the Jets are still determined to pursue compensation for the loss of former coach Gary van Egmond.