There is a new head coach at Newcastle Jets after Ash Wilson quit the Liberty A-League team following a mid-season review found the struggling outfit needed more support for their senior team.
Wilson, who was in her third season in charge, will be replaced by technical director Gary van Egmond, a former long-time coach of the club’s men’s side.
Van Egmond guided the Jets to the 2008 A-League Men Championship.
A club statement said Wilson “reflected on the needs of the team and the demands of coaching in addition to the focus on her leading teaching role” before stepping down.
The Jets sit 10th in the Liberty A-League table, having won just two of their 10 games this season and copping a league-high 28 goals in that span.
“Ash has given her all to support the development of young female players and the success of our elite women’s team and she deserves great credit for this personal commitment,” Newcastle executive chairman Shane Mattiske said in a statement.
“We understand the demands of coaching at the elite level of football are unrelenting, particularly within the women’s game.
“Ash has managed this as head coach for the three seasons whilst also being an important leader within her professional teaching career and we thank her for this sacrifice.
“Ash has great respect amongst the football community and we know that she will not waiver on her focus to continue to make a positive impact on many young footballers in this region.”
Wilson oversaw a tough period for the Jets’ ALW side, finishing eighth in both seasons as coach with just two wins in each of those campaigns.
