NEWCASTLE Jets have sensationally sacked coach Branko Culina just four days out from the start of the new A-League season. The Jets released a statement this afternoon saying they had terminated Culina's contract effective immediately and had also applied to Football Federation Australia to have the contract of his son, injured Socceroos midfielder Jason Culina, set aside.
Culina's sacking came only hours after the coach attended the A-League's official season launch in Sydney.
The experienced mentor appeared in good spirits there and was upbeat about his side's chances ahead of their opening match against Melbourne Heart on Saturday.
The club said National Youth League coach Craig Deans would take over the coaching role for Saturday's match, with an announcement on a "new coaching structure" to be made in the near future.
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The decision to try and have Jason Culina's contract also terminated comes after the star off-season signing was last week ruled out for the entire season due to knee surgery.
Jets' chief executive officer Robbie Middleby said in a statement: "The decision to terminate the contracts was made after a long deliberation by the Newcastle Jets' Advisory Board.
"The club believes that it is highly unlikely that Jason will return to the A-League in the near future, following medical advice."
Jets owner Nathan Tinkler, who took over the club last season, acknowledged the timing of the announcement was not ideal but backed the club's staff and players to get on with the new season.
"Jason's injury could mean the Jets are without their marquee player for up to three seasons - not a good result for the club, supporters, sponsors and players," Tinkler said.
"While I acknowledge the difficult timing of this announcement, I am confident in the character of the Jets' players and staff who will quickly put this matter behind them and enjoy a great season."
