Zane has been in charge of Northern NSW NPL club Edgeworth Eagles since 2014.

In that five-year period Edgeworth has won four Premierships in a row and reached four consecutive Grand Finals, winning deciders in 2015 and 2016, as well as knocking off bigger and better resourced clubs from NSW and Victoria to reach an NPL final.

They have also impressed in the FFA Cup, regularly getting to the round of 32 and reaching the round of 16 against Western Sydney Wanderers three years ago.

This year they have also progressed to the last 16 after beating Darwin Olympic 3-0, setting up a huge local clash with Newcastle Jets next week.

It’s a game the high-flying Eagles and their talented coach are relishing.

"The draw against the Jets sort of took us by surprise,” Zane told FTBL.

"It’s something that you didn’t want in one way, because you want as many Newcastle teams to progress as much as possible.

“But after a day or two, it ends up being quite exciting. We should get a good crowd and there will be a good vibe in the town, so there’s plenty of pluses.”

Edgeworth will take on the Jets at their home ground Jack McLaughlan Oval, which has a capacity of under 5,000.

The club is hoping for close to a sellout crowd.

"That’s what’s going to make it even more special, we get to play it at our home ground,” Zane said.

"It will be one of the biggest nights in the club’s history and possibly the biggest at Jack McGlaughan. They’re predicting it to be pretty full, so it should be a good atmosphere." 

The connections between Edgeworth and their local A-League side are many with former A-League striker Daniel McBreen, now a coach with the Jets Under-15s, still one of the Eagles’ key players at the ripe old age of 42.

Seven of Edgeworth’s players have played for the Jets juniors team in the past while Zane’s line-up will include Josh Rose, the 37-year-old left back who enjoyed many F3 derbies against Newcastle as a member of the Central Coast Mariners.

"Daniel will be up for it,” Zane expects.

"He likes a big Cup night. With Rosey as well it’s good for those players too. They get to go back against what they played in regularly and those competitive natures never leave them well.

"They’ll be really important with their experience and helping the young guys settle.”

Edgeworth and the Newcastle actually played in a pre-season friendly last month, with the Jets finishing 1-0 winners thanks to a Dimi Petratos goal.

But Zane maintains his team are going into this Cup game to win, not just be competitive.

"We had a few out that night and they obviously were early in their preparation and had a few out,” he said.

"But we put up a good show that day. There was a lot to like about what we did. It’s going to be tough but not impossible for sure. We’re going in there to win. Our pitch is in great nick, especially for this level, but they’re probably used to better.

"A few bumps here or there won’t hurt our cause. We’re quietly confident. The longer we can stay in the game the more confident we seem to grow in these big games. If we can start well, who knows? We might be up for a ‘cupset’."

Apart from McBreen and Rose, Edgeworth have a vibrant side filled with promising young players.

Under Zane they are known for playing modern, attacking football.

The coach hopes this round of 16 Cup tie will help put the spotlight on some of his young tyros.

While the Eagles’ top-scorer Oliver Smith will miss the Jets clash with suspension, 17-year-old striker Archie Finn will get the opportunity to make his mark.

"There’s still a few guys there who are young enough to put their hand up, especially with a second division on the horizon hopefully,” Zane said.

"It might just open up a few chances for some of these young guys who, for whatever reason, just missed the boat and may have the talent for that next level. Archie will play a part [in the game] at some stage. He’s come on and scored a few goals for us.

"He turned 17 this year, he’s a pretty decent talent. He’s quite a physical boy up front and doesn’t mind mixing it with men. And in the penalty area he’s just got a fantastic ability to get on the end of crosses. He’s definitely one to look out for.”

The Cup run is also a platform for Zane’s own burgeoning coaching reputation to grow.

The 39-year-old, the cousin of former Socceroo Clayton, debuted as a 15-year-old in Newcastle for West Wallsend in the 1990s.

He went on to play for the youth teams of NSL sides Marconi Stallions and Newcastle Breakers, overseas in the Romanian second division, and in the State League for Bankstown.

But it is in coaching where Zane has flourished.

"I was so impatient,” he said.

"I was really fiery as a player and that’s changed as a coach. It’s funny how you learn from your mistakes. I was probably a clever player so coaching always appealed. I think I’m a better coach than a player, definitely.

"I’ve finished my A license at this end of this year. I do have aspirations [of coaching at a higher level], but I just enjoy football. Wherever it takes me I’m happy with. I’m not going to stab people in the back.

"Wherever my performance takes me…. If it takes me nowhere, I love what we’re building at Egdeworth. Our performances in the league and especially the Cup – the Cup has allowed us to build facilities.

"I love the club and I’m pretty happy where I am."