The shortlist for the head coaching position at the Newcastle Jets is now a little shorter after Darren Stewart pulled out of the running for the vacant role.
The shortlist for the head coaching position at the Newcastle Jets is now a little shorter after Darren Stewart pulled out of the running for the vacant role.
Stewart was one of the leading candidates for the position but declined the club’s offer of an interview.
The 47-year-old is currently in charge of Singapore Club Woodlands Wellington, and reportedly told local press in Singapore he had turned down a huge offer from the Jets to stay in the S-League.
While the Jets admit Stewart had been approached about the role, they insist he was never offered the job.
“We gave Darren Stewart the opportunity to come over and be interviewed,” Jets CEO Robbie Middleby said in the Newcastle Herald.
“He is one of a number of candidates that we had identified. Darren didn’t come over for that interview because of his current contract situation in Singapore.
“There was no offer of a job and no talk about money. Just an opportunity to come over to be interviewed.”
The Jets have been on the lookout for a new full-time boss since they sacked Gary van Egmond in January.
Clayton Zane has been in the caretaker role ever since and is still in contention for the job.
“We need to get the right person. That is why we are going through a lengthy process,” Middleby said.
“That is not saying we haven’t got the right person but we need to interview everyone to make sure.
“We have contacted a number of potential candidates. Clayton is comfortable with the way it is being handled.
“We will sit down at the end of the season and conduct a review of every aspect of the club – staff, players the whole lot.
“Clayton is still very much in contention and regardless of the outcome he will be at the club.”
The Jets, who are currently seventh and three points behind Sydney FC, host Adelaide in a massive final-round game at Hunter Stadium on Friday night.
They need to beat the Reds and hope Perth defeat the Sky Blues on Sunday at Allianz Stadium with a three-goal swing to qualify for the finals on goal difference.
Purchase your ticket for Newcastle’s final game of the regular season here.