Rob Stanton has a simple message for the Newcastle Jets fraternity: stick solid.

The departing head coach finished his reign at the A-League club following his side’s gutsy 1-all draw with Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park at the weekend.

In the end, the team – one of the youngest in the competition – completed its 2024/25 campaign in ninth spot on 30 points, just eight behind the sixth-placed Adelaide United.

But, Newcastle proved a formidable opponent all season.

And, in typical Stanton fashion, he remained a “class act”, despite the Jets’ powerbrokers cutting ties with him more than six weeks ago.

“I’m really proud of the boys,” he said.

“When we knew we weren’t going to make the finals, it would have been easy to give up.

“However, I told them if you want to be a winner, you can’t quit because people are always watching.

“So, I challenged them this week about not giving up.

“Even though it was a dead rubber, it wasn’t played like that.

“I think the fans got good value for money, it was entertaining from both sides.

“Yes, it’s disappointing we didn’t secure the three points.

“But, I’m really pleased with the effort from the entire squad and their attitude towards finishing the season in the right manner.

“I believe it’s a reflection of how far they’ve come and it’s the standard I’d expect from a professional football team.

“And, they delivered.”

Despite all the outside noise, and disruptions, Stanton admitted he stayed focused on the job at hand.

“I left emotion at the door when I started this role,” he said.

“If you allow them to get involved, you make poor decisions and find yourself in trouble.

“So, I wanted to coach my last game as if it was my first.

“I felt I did that… and gave everything.

“Maybe when I get home and reflect, it might hit me then but, for now, I’ve learned to park those feelings.”

If anything, Stanton unveiled an exciting crop of youngsters, which should fill Newcastle supporters with plenty of optimism.

Guns such as Lachie Rose, Clayton Taylor, Eli Adams, Thomas Aquilina, Lachlan Bayliss, Noah James, Ben Gibson and Will Dobson while captain Kosta Grozos, Kota Mizunuma, Dan Wilmering and Callum Timmins shone, too.

And, for that, the mentor should be well-pleased with himself.

“A lot of the reward was watching the players just improve,” Stanton said.

“The staff and I worked hard to empower people to be better.

“I think that occurred.

“That’s been the highlight for me.

“Everyone wants to win, as you get judged on victories and defeats.

“However, I’m going to judge myself on how I’ve made people better and how I can make myself better moving forward.

“Right now, after eight years with Sydney FC and two at the Jets with no real time off, it’s probably in my best interest to recharge the batteries, rejuvenate and see what I can improve on.

“But, I’d like to thank the club – the previous and current owners – for giving me the opportunity.

“And, of course, the fans and the people who turn up every week and pay their money.

“Sometimes, you’re the best person going around and other times, you’re the worst.

“I understand that… and it tells me they’re passionate about their club.

“When we were dealing with the ownership situation, you could see the passion in the community.

“They also let me know when I wasn’t doing my job properly,” he added with a laugh.

“That’s a great thing.

“But, I hope they continue to support the club because, I believe, there’s a bright future here.”

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