The appointment comes only a fortnight after Nathan Tinkler took over ownership of the Jets and Newcastle executive chairman Ken Edwards said the club were ecstatic with the deal.

"The club is ecstatic Branko has agreed to continue at the helm," Edwards said in a statement.

"We are excited about the plans Branko has to engage with the local football community; from coach the coach sessions, through to community liaison.

"We are confident that we have the best coach for the club and he will certainly continue to make the Hunter proud of their football team.

"It's been a long and exciting week for the Jets and we have achieved an enormous amount in a short time frame.

"Branko's signing today is the start of a fantastic few months for the Jets, but more importantly for the community of the Hunter."

Culina, 53, told the Newcastle Herald he was enthused and excited about the Jets future, adding he believes the club can now compete with the strongest A-League outfits.

"My passion and energy is greater now than ever before, even when I was a real youngster,'' he said.

"I have never been involved with an organisation that has the potential that this one has.

"They know where they are going, they know how to get there and equally important, they have vision and the financial might to be able to make sure that happens.

"It has been a huge turnaround for myself and the players. Three or four weeks ago, we didn't know whether we were going to survive the next few days, let alone four years in my case, and hopefully similar for the players.

"This will enable us to compete with the big clubs, the Melbourne Victory the Sydneys of this world. Now we can match them in every aspect, you can't wish for more.''

Jets skipper Michael Bridges told the Newcastle Herald the deal proved the club are moving in the right direction.

"The past few weeks show the seriousness and intent of the new owners and they are certainly looking to go forward for both the club and the community in a positive manner," Bridges said.

"The announcement today will offer some certainty of future for the boys and it's a fantastic positive stride.''

In other news, Edwards said the club is in talks with a former England international about a potential 10-match guest stint with the Jets and is expecting an answer by Monday.