Merrick's 308-game A-League career came to an unexpected halt on Monday when he was sacked by Newcastle, after a run of four losses in five games that left the Jets last on the ladder.

Boogaard, now in his 15^th A-League season, said the reality was that professional sport was results-driven and when performances did not match expectations, "nine times out of 10" the coach was held accountable.

But he dismissed suggestions that Newcastle's players were no longer responding to Merrick's leadership.

"If they came and watched training every day, they'd probably see something different," he said.

"Everyone's entitled to their opinion but he [Merrick] definitely didn't lose the group.

"People may say that during games, when we conceded goals, the lack of effort or trying wasn't there.

"That wasn't true. You've got a team that was conceding goals and unfortunately we were down on confidence.

"We've come up against good teams, as well.

"When good teams notice a weakness in the opposition, it they're clever, they can punish you ...

"It's disappointing when you hear people say that the boys' effort isn't there and they're not trying, things like that, because as a professional footballer that's questioning your professionalism and that's why we do this job.

"People are entitled to their opinions but if they came and saw the boys' effort every day at training, their mindset leading into games, and their output in terms of numbers, what they put into a game, it's very different."

Boogaard said Merrick was "a good coach and a good guy" who had "brought great success to this club over the past couple of years", in particular their home grand final in 2017-18.

"As a collective, it was disappointing, and obviously as a playing group you feel responsible, partly, when a coach goes, because you feel like you've let them down," he said.

Adding to Boogaard's frustration, he has been restricted to only three games this season because of a groin injury and faces another couple of weeks on the sidelines.

"This is probably the hardest thing I've had to deal with, in terms of not being able to contribute on the park," the veteran defender said.

His injury battle has not prompted the off-contract 33-year-old to reconsider whether he wants to play on next season.

"I still think I've got a lot to offer," he said.

"Whether I can get back to on the park and play to that level that I know I can and contribute to that same level, I believe I can.

"Until I'm tapped on the shoulder, otherwise, by a new coach or members of staff [and told] that I'm not needed any more, then so be it.

"But for me, I still think I've got a lot to contribute."