Mark Milligan Appointed as Newcastle Jets' New Head Coach

Former Socceroo defender Mark Milligan takes over as Newcastle Jets coach, aiming to build a winning team and connect with the community.

The Newcastle Jets have appointed former Socceroo defender Mark Milligan as their new head coach, replacing Rob Stanton. Milligan, who earned 80 caps for Australia and played in four World Cups, takes over a team that has missed the playoffs for seven consecutive seasons. He'll aim to turn the Jets' fortunes around in the 2025-26 A-League season.

Mark Milligan expressed enthusiasm about joining the Newcastle Jets as head coach, saying, “It is exciting times under the new ownership of the Newcastle Jets. It was clear very early on that their strategy is consistent with my vision for the Jets, which will be built on player development and ultimately achieve team success.” Milligan, who played for the Jets in the 2008-09 season, understands the fans' desire for a high-energy, attacking style of play, adding, “Having played for the club and spent time in Newcastle, I am acutely aware of the fan’s desire to see a certain brand of football based on a high-energy attacking style of play.” Before taking the helm at the Jets, Milligan served as assistant coach of Malaysia under Peter Cklamovski and held similar roles at Adelaide United and Macarthur FC.

Mark Milligan has been named the new head coach of the Newcastle Jets, and Jets fans here's what you can expect from the boys on the pitch ⬇️⚽️

Milligan joins following stints an as assistant coach with the Malaysian national team and Adelaide United.

An A-League great and… pic.twitter.com/bNsYnapWt8

— 10 Sport (@10SportAU) May 6, 2025

The Newcastle Jets have struggled in recent years, finishing ninth in the A-League and failing to make the playoffs since 2018. However, with new ownership from the Maverick Sports Group, the club is hopeful for a brighter future. Chairman Maurice Bisetto expressed confidence in Mark Milligan's appointment, saying, “Having spent time here as a player, Mark knows what it means to connect to the community and the importance of establishing an identity for the Newcastle Jets.” Bisetto added, “We are confident Mark will be able to instil a strong culture across all facets of the club, including building a winning team that the region can be proud of.”