Experienced defender Taylor Regan, who was installed as captain after the club sacked five senior players in January, was the biggest casualty in the latest round of squad upheaval, with James Virgili, Sam Gallagher and John Solari also let go.
Regan was not in a position to comment when contacted by The World Game, but sources close to the club confirmed the news came as a shock to the Newcastle-born defender.
Jets coach Phil Stubbins, believed to be a central figure in the decision-making process, described the cull as a difficult process, before re-asserting the club's committment to build a competitive team for the 2015-2016 season.
“Today the coaching staff had to deliver some tough decisions to some great people. We certainly wish each of the guys that are leaving the club the very best in their respective futures,” Stubbins said.
“We are well advanced with our plans to recruit some top quality players to join home grown products Ben Kennedy, Ben Kantarovski, Jacob Pepper, and the returning Nigel Boogaard in our pursuit to bring success to the Newcastle Jets.”
The Jets released an ambiguous statement that claimed Allan Welsh and Travis Cooper have been told they won't be re-signed, although the club's management has not ruled out "re-engaging" with the players "depending on various factors."
Two other players, Max Burgess and Enver Alivodić, are negotiating with the club, which has also made an offer to its versatile Under-20s player of the year Nick Cowburn.
“We’d love Nick Cowburn to stay at the club however with Scott Neville and Jacob Pepper contracted and able to fulfil the right back role, at this point we need to work within our salary cap and squad size parameters,” Stubbins said. “We will remain in open dialogue with Nick.”
The Jets are interested in opening talks with SC Barcelona - the parent club of on-loan Ecuadorian striker Edson Montano.
The World Game approached Jets owner Nathan Tinkler for comment, but he declined to add any more to the statement that had already been issued by the club.
