Van Egmond replaced Nick Theodorakopoulos seven games into the 2006-07 season and was at the helm for three years before being lured to the AIS.
He guided the Jets to the finals in his first year, won the championship in 2007-08, then had the ignominy of winning the wooden spoon a season later.
There is a school of thought, given the Jets’ rebirth under Nathan Tinkler and the Hunter Sports Group, they should opt for a new face with fresh ideas.
But in terms of the criteria, van Egmond ticks most of the boxes.
Apart from an astute tactician, the Jets have made it clear they want a coach who is prepared to embrace their community initiatives and work closely with Northern NSW Football in devising junior programs to develop the club’s own players.
He is from Sydney’s northern beaches, but van Egmond has a strong affinity with the Hunter – his wife and children still live in Eleebana and youngest daughter Emily has returned from Canberra to play for the Jets W-League team this season – and has a thorough understanding of Northern NSW.
The new coach’s first job will be to complete the playing roster.
The Jets have two positions available, including a visa spot, and are yet to replace Jason Culina, whose salary does not fall under the $2.35million salary cap.
Former Everton and Arsenal striker Francis Jeffers is without a club and keen to return after his successful guest stint in the Hunter last season.
Joel Griffiths is off contract at Beijing Guoan but would not be eligible for the Jets until the transfer window opens on January 15, leaving just 11 games plus finals.
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