sport Dive into harbour swim
Jets sack head coach Ernie Merrick became the first coaching casualty of the A-League season after Newcastle suffered a heavy 4-0 loss to Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park on Sunday. Merrick, who joined Newcastle in 2017, led the club to an unexpected grand final appearance in his first season. However, the Jets’ have been on a poor run of form, losing four of the past five matches, including a 4-0 mauling by Melbourne City and a 6-2 hammering by Perth Glory. With Newcastle sitting in last place on the ladder, the club’s ownership and senior management announced on Monday they would part ways with the popular coach, effective immediately. Jets Chief Executive Lawrie McKinna thanked Merrick for his efforts during his time in the Hunter. “During Ernie’s tenure, the club
reached its first grand final in more than 10 years and we’re grateful for his contribution during his two-anda-half years in Newcastle,” he said. “However, results and performances haven’t been good enough this season and a change was needed. “On behalf of everyone at the club, I wish Ernie all the best in his future endeavours.” In the round 13 clash against Victory, Newcastle went behind in the 10th minute when attacker Robbie Kruse found space in behind and finished past Jets stopper Glen Moss. It remained 1-0 at the break, but the home side doubled its lead in the 61st minute as Kruse’s effort was parried into the path of Migjen Basha, who placed the ball into the bottom right corner. Just three minutes later, former
Former Newcastle Jets coach Ernie Merrick during his last game in charge of the club against Melbourne Victory. Photo: Getty Images
Jet Andrew Nabbout controlled a low cross and lashed the ball past a helpless Moss. Newcastle’s Matt Millar then scored an unfortunate own goal in the 86th minute to complete the rout. The Jets face Sydney FC tomorrow (10 January) at McDonald Jones Stadium.
Australia's richest open water swim will return to Newcastle harbour on Sunday 26 January – Australia Day – with a record number of swimmers expected to take part. The 2020 event, which carries prize money of more than $3,500, is being delivered in partnership with the City of Newcastle and Port Waratah Coal Services as the major sponsors. Stockton Surf Life Saving Club President Callan Nickerson said it was crucial to gain their support for the upcoming swim. “It means we can deliver a highquality event and, importantly, raise vital funds for our surf patrols and lifesaving operations at Stockton Beach,” Nickerson said. “The great prize money on offer makes the Newcastle Harbour Swim the richest open water swim in Australia.”
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