The club made a special presentation to outgoing CEO John Tsatsimas during Monday’s Awards Night.
John Tsatsimas received a special presentation during the club-s Awards Evening at EnergyAustralia Stadium on Monday night.
The outgoing CEO has worked tirelessly for the club since before a ball was kicked in Hyundai A-League competition; first as General Counsel during the Jets- formative years, before coming on board as Chief Executive in 2007.
On an emotional night, Tsatsimas revealed he had mixed feelings about his impending departure.
“I am saddened because I leave a lot of friends up here, but I-m also very fortunate to have made those friendships and I know that they-ll last forever.”
“It-s football, but at the end of the day it-s all about the people who make football what it is. “
“So I go away with those people in my heart and I look forward to coming up to Newcastle again to see those very same people,” said Tsatsimas.
The huge football fan can certainly be proud of his achievements in working behind-the-scenes for the Jets over the years. Leading the administration of the club as it won its first major trophy in 2008, and also through the prestigious AFC Champions League competition.
The lead-up to those monumental accomplishments, Tsatsimas said, is the standout moment in his 6-year contribution.
“When you qualify for the Grand Final and Champions League on the one night,” Tsatsimas recalled. “That Preliminary Final against Queensland Roar had everything, it had extra-time, and I think there was a realisation that Newcastle had come to the fore as a powerhouse in Australian football.”
“It was the first time we-d had any tangible success and it was all done in our own backyard, so that was the highlight of my time here.”
One of the motivations of Tsatsimas- departure was the family man-s understandable desire to spend more time with his young children and his wife in Sydney.
“My kids love the Jets and they-ve grown up in the culture of what the club represents.”
“I believe that this is the best place to have an A-League franchise, and I-ve always said that. “
“The culture of the people here, the way that they-re possessive of where they-re from is something to behold and something to be proud of.”
“I don-t think any other area can attain what Newcastle possesses,” he explained.
Tsatsimas will officially vacate his post in March and will have the opportunity to exhale for perhaps the first time in years by taking on some much needed “remote control therapy” before making the next move in his career.
The club wishes Tsatsimas, and his family, nothing but the greatest success in the future.
