The Jets did not make the 36-year-old former Sydney FC and Mariners striker an offer of a new contract – despite Petrovski ending last season as the club’s top scorer without ever starting a single game – and with an interesting offer from the Wolves tabled, he gladly returned to where it all began for him.

So, would he ever return to the A-League? Even as a short-term replacement?

“I’d have to discuss it with the directors of South Coast … they’re paying me to do a job so it’s a hard one to answer. I don’t know if it’d be worth doing that,” Petrovksi told au.fourfourtwo.com today.

“If it’s Sydney it shouldn’t be a problem but other clubs it might be a bit far to relocate for just a short period.”

Not being retained by the Jets will no doubt be debated for some time in Newcastle. While disappointed clearly, he was also philosophical about the parting of the ways.

“Newcastle, we spoke but they didn’t offer me anything,” said the twice-capped Socceroo who also enjoyed a stint in Denmark with Viborg from 2001 to 2003 and scored 28 times for the Sky Blues and Mariners.

“They asked me what the minimum I was willing to accept and I told them I was already on a minimum to be honest, so I don’t think I deserved that kind of treatment,” he said.  

“So we shook hands, we wished each other all the best and I said thank you very much and I knew there’d be no negotiations after that. It was simple as that and we move on.”

Petrovski held a unique record at the Jets of being top scorer last season without ever starting a game. It’s no doubt a head-scratcher to some fans that the two parties were unable to reach an agreement.

“I’ve been asking that question not only to re-sign me but even start me all year," added Petrovski.

A decade ago, the Bankstown-born striker was an integral part of the famous NSL title winning Wollongong Wolves side that featured  the likes of Scott Chipperfield and Matty Horsley.

In recognition of their achievements, there will be a reunion tomorrow night (Friday) at the Fraternity Club in Wollongong as part of the Wolves season launch (phone Janice on 0432 301 109 or 02 4283 3379 to book).

It will be an emotional night as stars of the past reunite to recall the back-to-back success of winning two NSL Grand Finals against Perth Glory and South Melbourne.

That Wolves team can rightly be compared in terms of style to the great A-League teams of today such as Brisbane Roar. “We were the same [as Roar]. We were mobile and had a never-say-die attitude with a great understanding of each other on the park,” Petrovksi said.

Petrovski will then start his preparations for their new NSW Premier League season which kicks on March 27 against Sydney Olympic.

On the park Petrovski will hook up with former Sky Blue Jacob Timpano under coach Trevor Morgan.

The striker will combine his playing duties with an operations role said to also include the daily administration of the club as well as organising school clinics. 

Petrovski, wife Karolina and their daughters, Anastasia (10), Aleksia (6) and Angelina (4), moved into their Figtree home on Tuesday and he trained with the side for the first time this week.

He added: “I’m back in Wollongong and my family’s enjoying it. They’ve brought me in to bring a level of professionalism into the club and try to be a role model and lift the profile of the club.”