Newcastle Jets have appointed Gary van Egmond as their permanent senior head coach until the end of the 2023-24 Liberty A-League season.
Van Egmond – who had previously coached the men’s side on two occasions – took over as interim coach midway through the season after Ash Wilson’s departure in early February.
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The 2008 Isuzu UTE A-League Championship-winning coach said he’s eager to stay on for the next campaign and hopes to lead the Jets back to the finals for only the third time in the club’s history.
“I’m excited to stay on as head coach for next season. I’m looking forward to the future and for what we can build for this team,” he said.
“The goal for us is to be back playing finals football and that’s something the club and I will be striving towards.
“The development of female players through the academy to underpin the (A-League Women) team is also vitally important as well. This will take more time so we will need to ensure we recruit well for the 2023-24 season to do well.
“Eventually the model for our club will be to promote from within and I look forward to when this will occur.”
Newcastle Jets Executive Chairman Shane Mattiske said he’s delighted to have van Egmond signed on, believing the experienced coach is the right person to help lead the club towards a “very serious run” next season.
“Moving to confirm Gary Van Egmond as our women’s head coach for next season is a critical decision as we focus on finishing this season strongly and, importantly, as we look to the next year where we have a strong commitment to build a highly competitive Women’s team,” Mattiske said.
“The 2023-24 season will step up another level for women’s football with it coming immediately after the FIFA Women’s World Cup on home soil and the expansion of the A-League Women’s competition in number of teams and length.
“We are making important decisions now to ensure that we have the right people involved to lead this club and community as we position ourselves to have a very serious run at the next season’s competition.
“Gary’s experience and connection to the Newcastle Jets is unquestionable. He is absolutely committed to the elevation of women’s football in the region and nationally and we know he will give his all to bring success to this club in the (A-League Women).”
The Jets currently sit second-last on the table, two points clear of bottom-placed Wellington Phoenix with two games remaining – who they face this Saturday afternoon.
Under van Egmond, the Jets have won once, drawn once and lost four games, with their sole victory coming against league leaders Western United.
