Battling A-League club Newcastle Jets has suffered two off-field blows, with chairman Ray Baartz and chief executive Robbie Middleby both resigning.
The Jets, who sit second last on the ladder with just one win and eight points from 14 matches, made the announcement on Thursday.
The club is owned by the Hunter Sports Group, who are looking to sell it and are conducting a mid-season review. They plan to complete the review before the Jets resume their campaign on January 24 against Adelaide, following the break for the Asian Cup.
Middleby, who will stay until the end of January, said in a statement: “I will use the next few weeks to support the mid-season review process. Making this decision now will allow me to give an honest and independent appraisal of where the club is at and provide recommendations of how it could best move forward.”
Middleby, who was born in Newcastle, described his time at the club as challenging.
“This decision has been a very difficult one but one that I have made in the best interest of the club and especially my family,” he said.
“I have, and will always support this club and wish the members, staff and players all the best for the future.”
“I hope that this decision can aid the transition to new ownership and allow the club to start a new chapter.”
The club will now begin the process of appointing a new CEO.
Former Socceroo Baartz, who was also born in Newcastle, is also working on the review.
“Football in the Hunter region has always been a major part of my life and it has been a privilege to be involved with the Jets,” Baartz said.
“I wish the fans and everyone involved at the club all the best for the remainder of the season and in particular the ongoing future of this great club.”
Source: AAP