Jets executive chairman Shane Mattiske expects to appoint a head coach early next week - giving interim boss Craig Deans one more game to push his claims.
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A shortlist of four candidates were interviewed last week by an advisory panel which features former Socceroos captain Alex Tobin, Matildas great Julie Dolan and highly regarded coach Ron Smith.
The Jets' recent spike in results has strengthened the credentials of Deans, who has held the reins since the exit in October by Carl Robinson to join Western Sydney.
Celebrated Socceroo and high-profile football analyst Robbie Slater gave his backing of Deans after the Jets' 1-all draw with Wanderers last Friday.
Another positive result against last season's A-League grand finalists, Melbourne City, at home on Sunday, would add weight to his case.
"We had hoped to finalise the position this week, but the reality is that it will probably drag into early next week," Mattiske told the Newcastle Herald.
The Jets have used three coaches in the past year and Mattiske said the club's new management had undertaken a thorough process and put in place an assessment criteria to ensure they get the right person "to take the club forward".
"We have done some interviews and are in the process of forming a view," Mattiske said. "It is more than just a coach. It includes the support that we put around them and understanding the different alternatives.
"There is a process we are working through. We have formed an advisory panel which has some independent views on it. We are confident that when we get to the point where we can make an announcement, it will be someone who is right for the club and someone who can take the club forward."
By then, the Jets, who sit in last spot on four points, would have played seven games - almost a third of the campaign.
"We are very focused on ensuing that it can happen quickly," Mattiske said with regards to the successful applicant assuming control.
The coach will have at least three new players to strength the squad.
Former Western United striker Apostolos Stamatelopoulos has signed until the end of the season and is available to play once the transfer window opens on February 16.
Indonesian under-23 international Syahrian Abimanyu and Kosovo attacker Liridon Krasniqi are expected to join the Jets on loan from Malaysian club Johor Darul.
Their addition follows the arrival of young soccer Luka Prso, who made an impressive debut off the bench, winning a penalty, in the 1-all draw with Western Sydney.
Matt Millar returns to training on Friday after a loan period at English League One club Shrewsbury Town.
Asked if the roster would be bolstered further, Mattiske said: "That is something we would work through once we have confirmed the coach. We are moving from a point where we were a little short on depth to building a full squad."
Millar, baring a hold up in quarantine, hopes to sit on the bench for the visit by City.
In a boost, the COVID-19 capacity at McDonald Jones Stadium has been lifted to 50 per cent (about 12,000) and the Jets have discounted family tickets in a bid to boost crowd numbers.
"The team has been performing well. They need the Newcastle community to get behind them," Mattiske said.
"We have some momentum after a win and draw and will be important to have a good crowd behind us.
"It is a time of year where parents and kids are starting to think about registering for football and launch into the season."
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James Gardiner
James Gardiner, chief football and rugby writer at the Newcastle Herald.
James Gardiner, chief football and rugby writer at the Newcastle Herald.
