The Jets announced the decision in a statement on Monday with club CEO Lawrie McKinna revealing long-running contract discussions with O'Donovan had last week hit an impasse.
Nearly two months of negotiations came down to the 33-year-old’s quest for a measure of security with at least four other clubs hovering with intent - Robbie Fowler’s Brisbane Roar reportedly foremost among them - for the now free agent front man.
Despite missing the first eight games of the season through suspension, O’Donovan still finished the season as the Jets’ leading scoring with 11 goals from 18 appearances, including a double in the 6-1 battering of Brisbane Roar in the penultimate game of a disappointing campaign.
McKinna was disappointed O'Donovan and the club couldn't come to an agreement.
“We made a number of generous offers to Roy and his management,” McKinna said.
“Talks began [about re-signing] midway through the season, with serious discussions beginning about two months ago.”
McKinna said the former Mariners striker had actually agreed in principal to the most recent offer to extend his stay at the Jets but issues with the deal continued to arise.
“As Ernie (Merrick), Joel (Griffiths) and myself said from the beginning we wanted to keep Roy and did everything within reason to extend his stay in Newcastle,” McKinna said.
“We were close on a number of occasions, but unfortunately from our perspective the goal posts continued to shift.
“It was disappointing from as the club has stood by and supported him through some difficult circumstances.”
The fiery former Sunderland, Coventry City and Central Coast Mariners man had a prolific goals per game ratio with the Jets, having scored nine in 16 appearances last season as the club reached the A-League grand final.
He notched 11 in 26 games, and eight in 19, in his preceding two seasons with Central Coast.
He is also close to becoming a naturalised Australian, which will make him even more attractive to the suitors queuing to snap him up.
