Jones stepped into the hot seat on the eve of the new season when former coach Scott Miller left the club, apparently in a row with the new Chinese owner Martin Lee over player recruitment.

But with most of the new squad already signed, Jones inherited a capable squad and started the season strongly.

A late slump in the campaign though saw the Hunter side slip from finals position to below even struggling local rival Central Coast Mariners and last season's despairing double title-winners Adelaide United.

Last night's loss against Sydney FC confirmed the wooden spoon for the Jets and sealed Jones's fate.

At midday, the club put out a brief statement announcing Jones had gone.

"Newcastle Jets can advise that the club has today parted ways with Head Coach Mark Jones, effective immediately," the statement said. 

"Jones was appointed as Head Coach of the club in September 2016, however after finishing bottom of the Hyundai A-League standings this campaign the club’s ownership and senior management will make a fresh appointment for the 2017/18 season.
 
"The club will commence its 2017 pre-season in late June. It is intended that a new Head Coach will be in place before this time"

The club added: "Currently no changes have been made to the club’s other coaching and football support staff.

"Senior Assistant Coach Clayton Zane will oversee training over the coming weeks before the playing group breaks for their annual leave in early May.

"The club thanks Jones for his efforts throughout the Hyundai A-League 2016/17 season and wishes him well for the future."

Jones, 50, had been a long-term assistant coach at the Jets before a spell at Sabah FC in the Malaysian league followed by Youth and W-League roles with Adelaide United last year.