Mark Milligan owes Gary van Egmond a small debt of gratitude.

But, that doesn’t mean the Newcastle Jets coach will do his former manager any favours when the pair locks horns at McDonald Jones Stadium this weekend.

While most eyes are focused on the battle between the A-League Men’s (ALM) pacesetters and the Western Sydney Wanderers on Saturday 7 March, the relationship between the two mentors adds another layer to the storyline.

It comes after Milligan enjoyed a brief stint with Newcastle, under van Egmond, in 2008/09.

“People probably wouldn’t understand the importance that played in my career,” he said previously.

“I’d been at Sydney FC for three years and I’d been over in England for six months; I’d also been through two failed attempts to get my visa approved.

“There were a lot of regulations around it then.

“So, I needed somewhere to play and it was mid-season.

“It wasn’t the easiest of situations.

“However, the Jets threw me a lifeline in many ways.

“So, I’m extremely appreciative – and grateful – to Gary because he allowed me to return to the pitch and play football.

“He’s a fantastic coach and has been for a very, very long time.

“I also have a lot of respect for what he’s done in the game because it’s not an easy business to stay in.

“But, that won’t count for anything this week.

“We have a match to win.

“In terms of motivation, and things like that, we’re just focused on what we need to do.

“As for myself, I must lead by example.

“From that sense, we are single-minded in terms of looking for growth again.

“Because it’s Gary, and due to the players Western Sydney possesses, we know it’s going to be a test for us.

“And, it’ll be a good way to offset the performance we produced last weekend.”

That’s in response to Newcastle’s 0-all draw with F3 Derby rivals Central Coast Mariners a week ago.

While it wasn’t a loss, the outcome broke the Jets’ eight-match winning streak.

“The players, like myself, weren’t disappointed so much with the result,” Milligan said.

“I think the performance wasn’t as complete as we’d like.

“However, we can’t hide from the fact that this period has taken its toll on everyone as well.

“They’ve been extremely focused in 2026, working extremely hard.

“So, maybe, it’s a good chance for us to reset and get back to doing what got us into this position.

“For example, the things we do daily, how they go about their work, the application that’s been driving the football we play.

“If the lads were upset with the result, that’s not a bad thing either, I want them to have that feeling.

“It shows the hunger, and ownership, is there.

“They’ve been fantastic [at training] this week.

“But, we realise it’s a big test for us against the Wanderers.

“We know their individual quality and they’re coming off the back of a strong result.

“In saying that, it’s probably good timing [for us], too.

“Western Sydney will come here… and they’ll be aggressive.

“So, it’s a great challenge to sort of get ourselves back on track.

“We’re aware if we go about our football, with discipline and bravery as per usual, we’ll be alright.

“I felt we probably forced things a little bit too much on the Central Coast.

“I want the boys to enjoy the brand of football they’re playing.

“I feel with this little reset, it gives them the opportunity to do that.”

With seven rounds remaining before the play-offs, Milligan admitted every match was a chance for the Jets to “get better” – both individually and as a team – in the run home.

“That’s how we’re approaching it,” he told the Newcastle Weekly.

“All games are an occasion for the boys to put themselves in the shop window, not just for us, but for the things they have coming up as well.

“That might be internationals, World Cups… all the benefits that come with the football that they’re playing and the effort they’re putting in.

“And, if we stay true to our beliefs and principles, it also gives us a chance to win a match.

“On the flip side, you see what these players have been able to do for the people of Newcastle recently.

“They want to give back to the fans… and they want them to continue supporting them.

“It would be terrific to crack a 15,000 crowd.

“We don’t have Shannon Noll this weekend, however I’m sure everyone will see their team put in another good performance at home.”

The encounter kicks off from 5pm.

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