INCOMING Newcastle Jets coach Clayton Zane has pledged to "definitely tweak" parts of the side's game after Gary van Egmond was dumped from the top coaching job today.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Zane claimed the head coaching role after the club met with Dutchy this morning and his contract was terminated.
Fronting the media this afternoon, Zane said he fronted players at training and captain Ruben Zadkovich had offered "whatever you need" to smooth the transition.
A similar response from the whole team would be vital in running towards a playoff berth, the new coach said.
"I don't want to be judged as Gary van Egmond's clone," he said.
"I'm not convinced that the squad aren't already motivated...[this is] an opportunity and I intend to try and stay there as long as I can."
Chief executive Robbie Middleby said he expected van Egmond, whose second tenure as Jets coach ended today, to apply for a technical director position with the Emerging Jets after he was immediately relieved of A-League duties.
Middleby said the club chose Zane rather than a more experienced interim coach as they had faith in their personnel and believed he could instill self-belief in the players.
Zane will see out the season with "full control", Middleby said.
"You will see with the right opportunity, with the players that we have got, we are going to play some very good football," Middleby said.
EARLIER STORY:
GARY van Egmond's second tenure as Newcastle Jets coach is over, with National Youth League coach Clayton Zane taking the reins until a permanent replacement is chosen.
The A-League club tweeted this morning that van Egmond would immediately vacate the position.
But chief executive Robbie Middleby has left the door ajar for van Egmond to stay with the organisation.
Middleby, who attended training this morning with senior figures including Troy Palmer and Ray Baartz, said the club had recommended the coach apply for the new Emerging Jets technical director position.
He said the role, which includes coaching in the Emerging Jets Program, was a good fit for the former Jets coach whose departure "coincides" with his removal as coach.
“Enhancing the quality of coaching provided to elite young players in this program is paramount and this is why the Club is recommending that Gary applies and is strongly considered for this position," Middleby said.
“From his time at the Australian Institute of Sport, Gary has always had a passion and talent for youth development and we believe he would help the Emerging Jets Program take a major step forward.”
Craig Deans will remain as an assistant coach for the A-League side.
He will also take over as National Youth League coach for the remainder of the season.
Explaining the decision to end van Egmond's contract, Middleby said this season was "vitally important" for the club which has claimed just four of 18 available competition points in recent weeks.
In their last game the Jets were beaten 3-1 by last-placed Melbourne Heart and the side has not won a match since December 20.
"The club and Gary agree the team requires a new voice and direction to take us forward,” Middleby said.
“Gary has made a significant and lasting contribution to the Jets, winning a Championship in his first term as manager and now, helping to put together a squad of some of the best emerging talent in Australia."
van Egmond's departure from the A-League coach's role follows the Newcastle Herald reporting on Saturday that his sacking was imminent.
The Herald reported last night that the club had failed to squash speculation the embattled coach was facing the axe.
On Sunday night the club responded to "confirm it has not spoken to Mark Rudan or any other coach".
van Egmond declined to comment when contacted on the weekend.
