Either way, I'm equally assured the Jets will go out and have a crack against one of the A-League heavyweights. New coach or not for the Jets, Melbourne City will know they are in for a real test.

The fact that, injury permitting, the Jets will name in all likelihood the same starting side is good for continuity. The cameo from youngster Luka Prso in the 1-all draw with Wanderers and the imminent return of Matt Millar add heartily to the coach's options, albeit a touch further down the track for starting spots.

While those two will add quality and a touch of tactical versatility, it is asking a lot to imagine they alone can transform an honest, competitive and resilient team into title contenders, particularly when you have four points after six games.

It is equally optimistic to hope a new coach and staff can suddenly do it, without addition to the roster. Those who would point to Carl Robinson's six wins from 10 games late last season at the Jets have an argument with some traction. However, when analysing that, you have to factor in a haphazard COVID schedule, an attitude of "let's just get the season finished" adopted by a lot of clubs and, importantly, the departure of key imports.

I make that point not to denigrate the efforts of Robinson and assistant Kenny Miller, who did an excellent job here, but to point out that there is a big gap between teams who are consistently competitive and those who are consistently successful.

More important than a new coach or owner to rescue the club again is surely to find someone, or group, with the patience, workable formula and financial wherewithal to provide foundations for long-term success.

Easier said than done, I grant you. But as the gentleman who sent me 1978 articles by Rale Rasic and scribe David Jack, praising the admission of Newcastle KB United to the Philips Soccer League and speaking glowingly of the potential of the club and area, could attest, it remains largely unlocked.

That isn't going to change overnight. But a plan. something to encourage the faithful, captivate the community and engage the corporates, would be very helpful.

Plan cannot equal magic wand. We are a patient lot - 42 years and counting. And though the city's flagship has given us some magical moments, it is now being kept afloat by owners of four other A-League clubs. Low ebb sounds a bit harsh, so let's say it's a precarious position.

So for all the speculation about coaches and short-term fixes, should we not consider where we might be in 5-10 years as a priority?

As a city we can support a team who fight hard and compete each week. We can accept that the current circumstances demand we develop young talent, and we must do better in that area.

As Robinson discovered last season, and Deans would attest, the playing group will buy into a project, stick solid, leave egos at the door and do their utmost for each other and the club. You can ask for no more.

Can we hope for the same from executive management and/or new owners?

Without capital, patience and a viable plan, someone else will be waxing lyrical about unlocked potential in another 42 years, if we still hold a licence.

At this time we are expecting Messers Boogaard, Topor-Stanley and O'Donovan, in their mid-30s, to play 90 minutes every game through an Australian summer. Steve Ugarkovic, closing in on 100 consecutive games, is covering 16 kilometres per match trying to hold a midfield together.

Do they deserve more help? Is the team an injury or two away from an almighty struggle? Can new owners turn things around? Questions that shouldn't be overlooked in the euphoria of victory over City on Sunday.