It's not often I approach this weekly column with rules, boundaries, and a game plan, but today's focus is to avoid weather puns, possession stats, and wooden spoon discussion.
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Of course, my one identifiably glaring weakness in life has always been temptation, but here goes anyway ...
The Jets picked up three very valuable, confidence-boosting points against the Mariners at McDonald Jones Stadium on Sunday afternoon, in a game that produced more goals than the form guide might have suggested.
Ah, bugger that game plan, who came up with that?
After a long drought it rained goals in the F3 Derby, in a fixture the Jets totally dominated, both territorially, and in chances created, leaving most observers scratching their heads as to how the team is currently embroiled in the battle to avoid the wooden spoon.
Certainly the concession of three pretty soft goals could be highlighted as a very valid reason, but as I noted last week, the exertions in extreme heat the previous week often lead to physical and psychological letdowns in the A-League.
There were some very open contests, and quite a lot of goals last weekend to emphasise that theory.
Combine that with the fact that the Jets were very comfortably in control of the weekend's proceedings for most of the fixture, and you can understand, but not accept, the careless defensive moments.
In truth, the way the game stretched from front to back for both teams encouraged the scoreline, and would be an area of immediate attention for incoming coach Carl Robinson and his assistant, Kenny Miller.
The early injury to Ben Kantarovski probably contributed to the situation, but outgoing caretaker coach Craig Deans was bold in his use of Angus Thurgate as his replacement, and the youngster backed up that faith with an all-action performance.
Steve Ugarkovic slotted seamlessly into the midfield-anchor role.
Still, there was more to be happy about than to fret over, and the local identity who backed the Jets to finish in the top six at $18 (apparently) before the match would be wearing a hopeful smile today.
There was more to be happy about than to fret over.
Before you point fingers, no, it's not me! But it's good to get that temptation out on the table as well.
I digress (a mention of the Oscars and Margot Robbie would represent total absolution). Concentrate like a professional defender, Lowe ...
As I sit down to write this piece, Messrs Robinson and Miller will have just overseen their first training session, and now seems an appropriate time to extend a warm Newcastle welcome, and the very best wishes for the journey and assignment that awaits both men.
The fact that Robinson has signed for quite a lengthy term is encouraging in terms of prospective planning for the long haul, his commitment to the project, and in actually building something.
Eleven coaches in 15 seasons says much about the need for some patience and stability, surely?
Time, and results, of course will be the judge of the Welshman's tenure, but I'm encouraged by his thorough reconnaissance prior to accepting the job, his commonsense answers to media questions, and the fact he recognises that a couple of additions to the roster are required.
The fact that he hasn't declared total devotion to one style, or formation, sits particularly well with your scribe, and the selection of his team this weekend will be the source of great interest.
I'm sure there won't be too many changes.
The midfield balance will be strongly considered no doubt, and I fancy Jason Hoffman will be considered as a defensive option. His height, pace and engine can come in handy.
Their opponents on Saturday, the Wanderers, will either be very fresh, or a bit rusty, given they have played only one match in almost a month due to the vagaries of the draw (bye), and last weekend's washout of the Sydney Derby. Interestingly, their last game was a 2-1 win at the Mariners, in Jean Paul de Marigny's first game in charge.
I will be surprised if the fiery Mauritian, an ex-teammate of mine, and of course an assistant coach twice at the Jets, doesn't send his side out fired up and determined not to allow the Jets the same time, space, and comfort on the ball that they enjoyed against the Mariners.
It's the start of a new era, of let's hope a different type.
There are only 10 matches remaining this season, and while improvement can be hoped for, miracles should not be expected.
Nor should the results in the remaining games be the measure for the longer-term project.
This season can perhaps be saved, more likely given some measure of respectability, but surely we have learned by now that quick or easy fixes are not the answer.
We wish everyone well.
