The A-League club are on the hunt for a new head coach after Scott Miller's stunning sacking. Gombau, who had a successful two years in charge at Adelaide United, recently returned to Australia as head coach of the Olyroos.

Griffiths played under Gombau briefly at the Reds two-years-ago and feels the 40-year old Spaniard would be a perfect fit in the Hunter.

"I personally would like to see a manager like Josip Gombau come in that can bring a family culture and unite the fans and team together," he told FourFourTwo.

"Adelaide are dong well in their selection of coaches and the fans are patient with results and give every manager time to adapt and instill their style of football. Gombau was the best coach I've had in my whole career.

"It felt like I wasn't trying when I played my stint in Adelaide. What I mean is he that the play was effortless and you had a job and you just did your job and trust your teammates to do their job. He has a system and sticks by it.

"I think a coach with characteristics like him would suit Newcaslte."

Griffiths played for the Jets in both the NSL and the A-League, leaving the club in his second stint in 2013 before joining Beijing Baxy. The 35-year old has a strong affinity with the club and the region with both his brothers playing in Newcaslte's 2008 grand final-winning team.

Griffiths admitted he was surprised by Miller's exit last week.

"I was shocked like everyone else," he said.

"I think he was doing a job job. But you never know the inside story and the dynamics of what was really happening as an outsider. I think Miller has the team in good shape so anybody that comes in will be reaping the temporary benefits of what he has done so far."

Jets CEO Lawrie McKinna said publicly he is wanted a coach who understood the Newcaslte market.

"The Newcastle market is a tough one," Griffiths, who is now playing in the Hong Kong Premier League, admitted.

"I think as fans we all need to give whoever comes in a real chance."