The new CEO of the Newcastle Jets says his first priority is to clear the club's outstanding debts.

Mitchell Murphy started in the job yesterday, filling a role left vacant by Robbie Middleby who resigned in January.

Mr Murphy was chief executive of Football Federation Victoria until July 2014.

He said he would be working hard to finalise player entitlements and clearing other debts including a substantial tax bill.

"The first priority, and again, we are in open dialogue with the FFA about that, is to resolve the outstanding superannuation payments and that is my number one priority," he said.

"Then to continue to work to work through the issues one step at a time.

"There's no doubt that there is an issue with the ATO with Nathan's companies, but our legal team are talking daily with the ATO."

Murphy says he hopes to resolve termination payments as quickly as possible for the remaining four sacked Jets players.

The club yesterday announced that it had agreed to terms with former captain Kew Jaliens.

The terminated players are still turning up to training, but there have been reports of verbal altercations with coach Phil Stubbins.

Murphy said he has already been involved in talks with the players' union.

"Our talks were very open, very amicable, and very direct.

"We took action rather than... you know, action speaks louder than words.

"Yesterday with Kew, we sorted that.

"This afternoon I will be hoping to make the next step and sort that out next week.

"Look, there is a lot of work to be done and you can't solve this quickly."