Arthur Papas has today resigned from the Jets after accepting the Indian U22/23 Head Coach position.
Arthur Papas has today resigned his post as Newcastle Jets Youth (and A-League assistant) coach after flying in from an exhilarating month of extended leave in India.
After declining the offer to head up India-s first Elite Youth Academy, Papas was heading home to Newcastle but in an amazing vote of confidence he was then offered the Indian U22/23 Head Coach position, which means he will be coaching the country at next month-s AFC Cup in Oman.
After this tournament is completed he will then continue in the role, which has the National Team competing in the Indian premier league under the name of Pailan Arrows.
“This was an opportunity of a life time and I am grateful to the Hunter Sports Group and Gary van Egmond for supporting and understanding what this means in terms of my personal development and coaching on the international arena,” said 32-year old Papas.
“Newcastle Jets are really on the way up and it is hard to leave an organisation that has already captured the best young players in the country and have facilities second to none in Australia.
“The Jets are a club on the rise and I will watch their progress with great interest from India, and at a minimum I know I will come back to Australia a better coach for the experience.”
Jets CEO Robbie Middleby was high in his praise of Papas; coaches work hard for an opportunity like this and the Club couldn’t be happier for him.
“In six short months, working alongside Craig Deans and James Pascoe, they have brought a special brand of energy and professionalism to our young players which will hold them in good stead over the coming season and their careers,” Middleby said.
Papas will leave the Jets immediately to help prepare the Indian U22 team for their AFC Cup commitments in June.
The Jets have already compiled a short list of replacements and an announcement is anticipated in the next few months.
James Pascoe, Youth team assistant, will manage the Jets Youth in the interim, with the assistance of the A-League coaches.
