Report: Newcastle Jets CEO quits club

Newcastle Jets CEO and legendary A-League figure Lawrie McKinna has quit the club after five years in the top job at the club.

Jets have confirmed that McKinna has left the role as CEO and General Football Manager, saying the club "is stable" and that now is the right time for the 59-year-old to "move on".

McKinna was CEO of the club and earned significant praise for Newcastle making the 2017/18 A-League Grand Final, although the Jets have since struggled and were almost rendered insolvent at the beginning of this season.

McKinna has a long and storied association with the NSL and A-League as a player for heavyweights such as Heidelberg United and APIA Leichardt, and then as a premiership winning manager with the Central Coast Mariners and former A-League Coach of the Year.

He was also manager of two Chinese Super League clubs, before managing the Newcastle Jets youth teams sporadically during his tenure as CEO of the club.

Separately to football, McKinna has also been heavily involved in politics in New South Wales, as Mayor of Gosford for four years after losing his campaign for a seat in the 2013 federal election.

“After five seasons, it’s time for me to move on," he said.

“It’s been a great time, although the 18 months prior to the new ownership coming in were very hard. The main goal for me was to ensure there was still a club in Newcastle and I’m proud to have contributed to some success on the field throughout my tenure at the Jets.

“I’ll still have links to the club and look forward to continuing to make a positive contribution to the success of the Newcastle Jets.

“I want to thank the fans and sponsors for all their support through the good times, bad times and COVID times.”

Executive Chairman Shane Mattiske thanked McKinna for his very significant contribution to the Club and is thankful he will continue to have an association with the Jets.

“Lawrie has been a central part of this Club for a long period of time and has given his all to support the Jets,” Mattiske said.

“He’ll always carry the Club’s respect and gratitude for his contribution.

“With Lawrie’s shift, we will miss his presence and daily humour within the Club, however, it is great to know that he will remain connected to us in an ambassadorial role.”