Departing Newcastle Jets coach Rob Stanton has had a subtle dig at the Hunter A-League Men’s (ALM) club’s powers-that-be.

In the wake of the weekend’s 2-1 loss to the Wellington Phoenix at McDonald Jones Stadium, which put a dent in the side’s play-off aspirations, the mentor challenged the organisation’s “leadership” to step up and fix the establishment.

Newcastle remains a mathematical chance of snaring a top sixth berth but must win its remaining four matches.

However, the Jets finally confirmed late last week Stanton would finish at season’s end, even though the players had known for a couple of months.

He hopes that in his two years at the helm, he’s set good “foundations” for the club, who has not played finals since making the 2017/18 grand final.

“It’s getting close,” he told Paramount Plus in his first interview since the announcement.

“I feel like I’ve done some really good stuff here, but now it’s up to the club to drive the vision and drive it right across the club.

“And, (it’s) not just one person carrying the weight of everything.

“It needs to be other others.

“They need to step up and be leaders and drive the club forward.

“I think that’s what the fans deserve… and I think they expect it.”

Stanton insisted he wasn’t angry at the club.

He was unwilling to go into detail as to why he and Newcastle parted ways, although the Newcastle Weekly understands a lot of it centred around resources, or a lack thereof, and the necessary support to move forward.

It’s also claimed the Jets operate on the smallest budget in the ALM.

So, to have the team – the youngest in the competition – within striking distance of the semis is credit to Stanton.

“In the end, maybe a few people got involved who shouldn’t get involved,” he said.

“And, now, people need to get involved because they (Newcastle) need that.

“They need to fix the club.

“The owners have come in… and they’ve got a job to do.

“As I said, it’s going to take more people with strong leadership, set direction, get buy-in from fans.

“You’re going to have to be strong there.

“Look, it is what it is.

“I accept it and I’m moving on… I think we need to maybe move on so we can finish off the season as best we can.”

Asked if he would take up another job quickly, Stanton replied: “We’ll see”.

“Look, you never say never in football. I’d like a break.”

Ninth-placed Newcastle (26 points) are seven points behind Sydney FC (33), who occupies sixth spot.

The Jets face F3 derby foes Central Coast Mariners in a do-or-die encounter at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday 12 April.

• With AAP

For more sports stories:

• Jets’ play-off hopes take a massive hit after turbulent week
• Battered Knights held scoreless by Bulldogs
• Cricket NSW seeks federal support to enhance Newcastle No. 1 Sportsground

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