JETS chief executive Robbie Middleby says a new coach could be appointed early next week but denied speculation an announcement date had been set or that championship-winning former Newcastle boss Gary van Egmond was assured of the job. Van Egmond has been strongly linked to a return as head coach since Branko Culina was sensationally sacked on October 4, four days before the opening-round 3-2 win over Melbourne Heart. Speculation has increased that Van Egmond will be announced as Jets coach within days. Middleby said it was a possibility but that no decision had been made. ''We originally thought we could have a new coach by the end of this week but we've had so many quality applicants and we want to go down every avenue to make sure we make the right decision,'' he said.

Craig Kerry