June 09, 2015 12:46:03 UK
Former Socceroos record goalscorer Damian Mori has thrown his hat into the ring to become Newcastle Jets’ next coach.
The A-League strugglers, who collected the wooden spoon last season, were taken over by Football Federation Australia after their licence was taken away from former owner Nathan Tinkler.
Mori reckons he’s served his apprenticeship as a coach, after seven years with National Premier League side Adelaide City, and is ready to step up to the A-League.
I’m ready to step into a hot seat in the A-League.
Damian Mori
Newcastle, who are 26.00 to win the 2015-16 Grand Final, need a new coach after Phil Stubbins was dismissed last month following a troubled season in charge.
Mori has spoken to Damien de Bohun, head of the A-League, about the Jets vacancy.
The 44-year-old, whose record of 29 goals for Australia was broken last year by Tim Cahill, said: “I’ve got 11 years of coaching experience all up now so I’m ready to step into a hot seat in the A-League.”
He said he was surprised to read reports suggesting he is a frontrunner for the Newcastle job.
“I want the job and if it is offered to me and I agree to the terms I will take it, no doubt about that,” he added. “It would give me a chance to improve a team that has not been successful for a long time.”
“Regular finals football must be the Jets’ priority and that is what my priority would be if I were to get the job. You see, what the Jets need more than anything else is for their fans to get behind them again.”
Mori spent his entire playing career in Australia, apart from a one-year stint with Borussia Monchengladbach, who are 41.00 to win the Bundesliga title.
Meanwhile, Perth Glory have re-signed 20-year-old midfielder Mitch Oxborrow for next season.
Oxborrow arrived on a one-year National Youth League deal last year and played in the club’s final two A-League games.
Coach Kenny Lowe said the left-sided player had applied himself well throughout the season and been rewarded with his one-year deal.
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