Newcastle Jets have announced that Craig Deans has been appointed as the head coach until the end of the 2021-22 season.
The Jets have undergone a tumultous period in the recent past with unpaid debts coupled with an absentee owner in Martin Lee seeing them being stripped of their A-League licence.
The club were rescued by a consortium led by Sydney FC, Western United and Western Sydney Wanderers and reissued a licence to participate in the Australian top flight.
The drama off the pitch appeared to have spilled onto it as well, with Newcastle losing four games on the trot to start their season.
Yet performances were not lacking as Deans’ men managed to claw their way back with an away day win against Wellington Phoenix, and followed it up with a 1-1 draw with Western Sydney Wanderers and a 1-0 victory over Melbourne City.
Now the club have confirmed that Deans – who was promoted as the caretaker – is officially appointed as the manager.
A statement on the club’s official website reads: “Newcastle Jets are pleased to announce the appointment of Craig Deans as Head Coach of the Club for the 2020/21 and 2021/22 A-League seasons.
“The confirmation of Deans’ position not only provides the Club with real stability but with a leader who knows and understands the Club and its junior pathways.”
