Former Jets youth coach Clayton Zane, who had overseen the senior team following the sacking of Scott Miller, has been named as Jones’s assistant.

Jones is a Newcastle native and had twice previously been an assistant coach at the Jets.

He had been coaching Adelaide United's youth and W-League teams up until Thursday night, but has returned to Newcastle to take up the senior appointment.

“It’s a proud day for me to be appointed head coach of Newcastle Jets, my hometown club,” Jones said.

“But now the hard work begins. The club has assembled a competitive and balanced squad brimming with local talent, A-League experience and international know-how for the Hyundai A-League 2016/17 Season, and I am personally excited to work with each and every member of the squad.

“While it’s true that there’s not long until the new season commences, the work that has been done in preparing the squad has been good and I believe that we can kick-off the new campaign in a very competitive fashion."

He added: “I will leave no stone unturned in making my tenure at the helm of the Newcastle Jets a successful one for our Members.”

Zane, a former Socceroo, said he was elated to be joining Jones to help mentor the A-League side.

“I feel privileged to be back involved with the club’s first team squad on a full time basis,” Zane said. “It has been enjoyable working with players of a high calibre over the past few weeks, and I am excited to continue working with them with Mark over the next two years.”

Zane will continue to oversee the club’s National Youth League program for the 2016/17 season.

Former Liverpool star Robbie Fowler reportedly contacted the Jets on Friday to register his interest. 

Miller was sacked on September 7, with assistant Luca Trani following days later.