Two weeks after former Newcastle assistant coach James Pascoe was shown the door, he has been appointed as the club’s interim football manager. Newcastle Jets has today announced that former Hyundai A-League Assistant Coach and Foxtel National Youth League mentor James Pascoe has been appointed to the role of Acting Football Manager.

Pascoe and fellow assistant Mark Jones were released from the Jets when coach Phil Stubbins was axed last month, as new owners Football Federation Australia announced it would seek a new manager as part of a fresh start for the 2015-16 season.

Pascoe replaces experienced administrator Ben Mannion, who was appointed as Newcastle’s general manager of football last month but has been left high and dry after the recent change in club ownership. Mannion, who had been Football Queensland’s chief operating officer for past three years, came to the Jets when the club was still owned by Nathan Tinkler’s Hunter Sports Group.

The FFA took control of the Jets last month following the demise of former owner Nathan Tinkler. While it is understood Mannion was offered the role by FFA, but only on a significantly reduced salary, despite assurances he would be retained on like-for-like terms. And Stubbins did not survive the takeover, with the FFA in the middle of an interview process to appoint a new man in charge.

The Hunter Sports Group’s licence was revoked three weeks ago after it failed to pay a series of debts, with Tinkler earlier that day placing the Jets into voluntary liquidation saying it owed $2.7 million. Meanwhile, Damien de Bohun, the head of the A-League believes it is imperative the Newcastle Jets engage with their local community when a new owner for the club is found.

“James brings the right football and administrative skills, but as importantly has a great insight into football in Northern New South Wales and the elite player pathways,” said A-League boss Damien de Bohun. “His appointment is the first of many steps to ensure that there is a strong Novocastrian spirit in the new club that is taking shape.”

The former Hunter Sports High Director of Sport and FFA A-License coach will assist with the planning and development of the team’s pre-season campaign, player recruitment, and Hyundai A-League compliance matters.

The search for a new coach continues, with Fox Sports commentator and former Sydney FC defender Mark Rudan and former Socceroos striker Damien Mori are rumoured to be among the frontrunners for the position.