Saved from going under this week by a consortium of fellow A-League teams led by Sydney FC, Western Sydney Wanderers and Western United, the stop-gap Hunter hierarchy believe the Young Socceroos coach is the man to deliver on-field stability whilst they work to restore off-field equilibrium after absent owner Martin Lee was stripped of his A-League licence.
Van Egmond, who famously led the Jets to the 2008 championship, has been informed by Football Australia they would not stand in his way should he decide to take the reins from Jets caretaker coach Craig Deans.
Van Egmond’s Young Socceroos have been left in limbo by last month’s cancellation of the 2021 FIFA U-20 World Cup - the latest tournament to fall victim to the coronavirus pandemic.
The abandonment potentially frees him up for a return to clubland.
The 55-year-old has been spotted taking notes in the background at Jets training over the past 14 days, and is believed to be open to the possibility of a return, so long as he is given guarantees over the ongoing financing of the playing squad.
The former Socceroo first took charge of the Jets in 2006 - beating Central Coast in the grand final two years later.
He departed in 2009 to take up a coaching role at the now-defunct AIS football program, and to also head up the Joeys.
Van Egmond was reappointed by the Jets in 2011, replacing the axed Branko Culina. He was sacked himself in 2014, but moved on swiftly to a four-year stint as the Matildas’ assistant.
Van Egmond, the Jets and FFA were all contacted for comment.
