crowd, and creating a great atmosphere. On 22 April 2017, the Squadron announced that they would be ceasing active support, due to harsh FFA restrictions regarding active support. Although the Squadron resumed active support during the 2017-18 season, declining attendances and poor on-field performances the following season resulted in the group dissolving once more. Rivalries Due to its geographical proximity, Newcastle shares a strong rivalry with Central Coast Mariners. Known as The F3 Derby, the first meeting between the teams resulted in a tough semi-final tie in the 2005 Oceania Club Championship qualification competition (held in May 2005, prior to the start of the inaugural A-League season), when star Mariners striker Nik Mrdja broke the leg of Newcastle defender Andrew Durante, earning him a tag as Newcastle's "hate-boy". In the 2007–08 season, Newcastle Jets beat the Mariners 2–0 in the first leg of the Major Semi-Final, before being beaten 3–0 in extra time in the second leg at Bluetongue Stadium. After beating Queensland Roar 3–2 in the Preliminary Final, the Jets then went on to defeat the Mariners 1–0 in the 2007/08 A-League Grand Final. In round 17 of the 2008/09 season, the Jets and Mariners faced each other at Ausgrid Stadium. The Mariners won the game 2–1 courtesy of a Matt Simon goal in the 80th minute. After the full-time whistle, star Jets striker Joel Griffiths grabbed Mariners midfielder John Hutchinson around the neck causing players from both sides to intervene. Referee Peter O'Leary sent off Mariners' striker Dylan Macallister for abusive language. Players First-team squad Youth Players to have been featured in a first-team matchday squad for Newcastle Jets. On loan Personnel Current technical staff Administration Executive Chairman: Shane Mattiske Head of Football Operations: Huss Skenderovic Head of the Men's Academy Riccardo Marchioli Chief Operating Officer Nicola Browne Community & Membership Manager Matt Star Media Manager Tom Logan Sponsorship Manager Alex El Shammy Senior Designer & Photographer Grant Sproule Sponsorship & Events Kylie Maree Smith Managers (2001 – 2004) (1 January 2005 – 31 December 2005) (2006) (2006 – 2009) (1 January 2009 – 4 October 2011) (3 October 2011 – 20 October 2011) (20 January 2014 – 5 May 2014) (5 May 2014 – 26 May 2015) (18 June 2015 – 7 September 2016) (23 September 2016 – 16 April 2017) (9 May 2017 – 6 January 2020 and Qiang Li (6 January 2020 – 6 February