CRAIG Deans has a simple theory on coaching: Success hinges on convincing players to believe in what you say.
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"If you can't convince people of what you are saying, then you won't last very long," Deans reasons.
But it was Deans' actions rather than his words that earned the former defender the Jets' head coaching position on Wednesday.
Handed the reins in a caretaker role for the third time after the sudden departure of Carl Robinson in October, he merely got to work.
His name was rarely mentioned among contenders for the full-time position.
Although the Jets were playing well, four losses to open the season was hardly the job application the 46-year-old had planned.
He maintained a positive approach, a mindset that flowed onto the players, and eventually the results turned.
"Coaching is about getting people to believe what you say," Deans said. "You also have to show what you are saying works.
"I think the last four weeks - even the games we lost - the belief was there and the players understanding of what was required was there."
A foundation player at the Jets, Deans turned to coaching in 2008 with the club's national youth league team.
He was involved with the A-League squad under Gary van Egmond which won the championship in 2008, and has learned more with each of his three experiences as interim coach.
"The first time, I wasn't ready for it," Deans said. "I was 37 or 38 and it was an easy decision to come in and do a few games and step out again.
"The second time (in 2020 after Ernie Merrick was sacked) it was a long way down the track and I had a lot more experience with different environments., different coaches, different people.
"In coaching you work every day on learning more and being better. You ask questions of people who know more than you do
"The ability to cope with pressure and difficult situations has definitely improved.
"It's important in football - in life - that when things don't go right you learn from them. You don't just throw them away.
"You learn from them and make yourself better.
"The club has gone through a lot in the last 18 months. Dealing with that situation, I probably would not have been able to do that if I didn't have the experiences in the past."
But Deans credits his five years in charge of the Jets women's side as the biggest influence on his coaching, especially managing players.
"Coaching the W-league team and understanding the value of relationships with players has been a big one for me," he said. "The girls ask way more questions than the boys.
"You need to be able to relate to players very clearly and in a positive way more often than not.
"Some of the best coaches I had weren't the best in terms of tactical information, but they made you want to play for them and want to represent the club.
"You know you could be open with them and honest and have a conversation.Even if you have to deliver bad news, if you do it the right way you earn the respect of the players."
"I had an eye on coaching from the age of 27 or 28 and had some bad experiences with coaches who didn't communicate well.
"I don't want to put someone in the position I was put in. I was left out of a grand final as a player with no explanation. That is a difficult thing to go through.
"I learnt a lot from that. The coach at the time, I didn't want to know him. Now I have a good relationship with him. I understand his reasons why.
"I want to make sure the players get the most out of their career and they enjoy it as much as they can. Even in periods when they are not in the team or playing well, it is important to make sure they feel valued and they have the full support of the coaching staff."
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IN THE NEWS:
James Gardiner
James Gardiner, chief football and rugby writer at the Newcastle Herald.
James Gardiner, chief football and rugby writer at the Newcastle Herald.
