‘‘Whoever comes in [as coach], let’s reassess the situation then,’’ he said.
‘‘Likewise with Richie. We are happy for him to keep training, then the new coach will have to decide.’’
A-League clubs are allowed to utilise up to $225,000 in service agreements outside the salary cap to top up wages.
The Herald has been told the Jets have limited funds left in the cap.
It is unclear if Jeffers is being considered for the marquee position, another guest stint or part of the $2.35million roster with the addition of a third-party payment.
Jason Culina signed a three-year deal in February reportedly worth $2.65million, but he has been sidelined indefinitely after two operations on his left knee in the past eight months.
The Jets last Tuesday moved to have the Socceroos’ contract annulled and are expected to have their case heard before a dispute resolution tribunal.
Jason’s father Branko was sacked one year into a four-year extension on the same day.
Branko told the Herald yesterday he was ‘‘waiting for more dialogue’’ from the Jets but was hopeful of coming to a arrangement.
He is back in Newcastle and watched the Jets’ 3-2 win over Melbourne Heart at his Hamilton home.
‘‘I was really pleased for the boys and the club,’’ Culina said.
‘‘Unfortunately things have not worked out for me personally, but the club deserves success for the work they put in.’’
Middleby said management had ‘‘touched base’’ with a few of the applicants for the coaching position, which is being filled in the interim by youth team mentor Craig Deans.
‘‘We are compiling a short list and will sit down with the advisory board in the next couple of days,’’ he said.
‘‘Once that list is finalised we will interview those people, go through the right channels and make sure we get the right person for the job.’’
Former championship winning coach Gary van Egmond has met with club representatives and remains favourite among a star-studded field of candidates.
It appears that former England manager Steve McClaren has withdrawn his interest in a move to Australia.
McClaren, who resigned from English Championship club Nottinghan Forrest last week, emailed the Jets last week. But an Engish report dismissed the inquiry as ‘‘nothing more than an agent testing the water’’ and that he was seeking a high-profile club to rebuild his career.
Meanwhile, Deans is expected to add Marko Jesic to the 15-man squad which beat the Heart 3-2 in the first round for the tip to Wellington to take on the Phoenix on Sunday.
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