New Jets Coach Announced

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Sydney FC assistant coach Robbie Stanton has been announced as the new head coach of the Newcastle Jets.

He'll replace Arthur Papas who resigned a week ago. 

Players and club officials were informed this morning, the Former Sutherland Sharks and Sydney FC Youth Team coach has signed-on for the next two A-League seasons.

He'll guide his first training session on Tuesday, three weeks before the Jets play Melbourne Victory in an Australia Cup qualifier on July 17th. 

Image: FTBL

Jets Coach Resigns

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Arthur Papas has resigned as head coach of the Newcastle Jets.

He's spent two years at the helm during which time the team finished 9th and 10th on the ladder.

 
The 43-year-old had a year left on his contract but is rumored to be considering a return to Asia.

Assistant coach Arthur Diles has also resigned and is expected to join Melbourne Victory as an assistant coach.

Newcastle Jets Executive Chairman Shane Mettiske has issued a statement, wishing Papas well and praising his efforts to develop a strong football program at the club.

 
"On behalf of the Club, our players, fans, members, partners, and staff, we wish Arthur well in the next stage of his career," he said.

 
He also said the process of finding a replacement is already underway.

 
"Whilst the departure of Arthur has only just been confirmed, we have been aware of the potential of a change and in the background have been considering a number of potential candidates. We will now accelerate and close discussions with the aim of minimising the impact on team preparations."

 

 

Jets Coach Cited Over VAR Comments

BY IAN CROUCH

Newcastle Jets Coach, Ernie Merrick is facing another fine for his public criticism of the Video Assistant Referee in last Sunday's 2-nil loss to Perth.

He's been issued a show cause notice by the FFA after saying "the guy in the VAR was having a cup of tea or was probably asleep" when Roy O'Donovan was bundled over by Perth defender, Shane  Lowry.

Merrick copped a $1500 fine in March last year for after describing the performance of the referee and VAR as disgraceful during the Jets 2-all draw with the Western Sydney Wanderers.

Ernie Merrick

Newcastle To Host A-League Grand Final

BY IAN CROUCH

The Hunter is in grip of Grand Final fever after the Newcastle Jets qualified for the A-League Grand Final.

The international football community is still singing the praises of Jets young gun, Riley McGree for his freakish scorpion kick which leveled the scores during Friday's 2-1 win over Melbourne City.

Saturday's decider will be held at McDonald Jones Stadium after Melbourne Victory scored an upset win over competition front-runners, Sydney FC on Saturday night.

Already, 20,000 tickets have been sold to members of both clubs.

The Football Family pre-sale opens at 10 this morning, with tickets for the General Public going on sale from 1pm.

Some Of The 19,000 Fans Who Turned Out For Friday's Semi-Final Win Picture:Fairfax