Ambitious Mori is ready to take on the Jets job

Former Australia goalscoring legend Damian Mori claimed that he has completed his coaching apprenticeship and that he is ready for the step up to the A-League should the opportunity arise.

Damian Mori says he is prepared to take on an A-League job (Getty) Source: Getty Images

Mori, who coaches Adelaide City in the National Premier Leagues, is a serious contender for the Newcastle Jets job that became available after the dismissal of Phil Stubbins last month.

Mori has talked with Football Federation Australia, which has taken over the running of the troubled club after previous owner Nathan Tinkler was relieved of his licence.

"I have done my seven-year coaching apprentice in the NPL with Adelaide City," said Mori, whose all-time scoring record for the Socceroos was broken only this season by Tim Cahill.

"I've got 11 years of coaching experience all up now so I'm ready to step into a hot seat in the A-League.

"Of course, as you know, I've played in the A-League too.

"For me it is a dream to get to the A-League as a coach if the opportunity to work there comes up, that is.

"And if I don't get it, I'll keep trying."

Mori said he was surprised to read reports suggesting he is the frontrunner for the Jets job.

"I've only spoken to the FFA once, to A-League head Damien de Bohun to be specific," he said.

"I want the job and if it is offered to me and I agree to the terms I will take it, no doubt about that.

"It would give me a chance to improve a team that has not been successful for a long time."

Mori said he would bring to the job the same qualities that made him so successful on the football field as a player.

"I am a winner and I work with a winning mentality," he explained.

"Of course, I will want my team to play quality football but that is generally determined by the quality of footballer you have.

"Regular finals football must be the Jets' priority and that is what my priority would be if I were to get the job.

"You see, what the Jets need more than anything else is for their fans to get behind them again.

"One way of doing that is by winning games."

Newcastle finished bottom the the 10th A-League with only three wins from 27 matches.