BLOW-IN striker Bernie Ibini won't be playing for the Newcastle Jets this season, but he could still help them put bums on seats at their first home game.
The Jets confirmed on Thursday they had released Ibini from the one-year contract he signed in August, after the disgruntled former Socceroo had become a "distraction" during the pre-season, to quote Newcastle CEO Lawrie McKinna.
Ibini, who played six games for Newcastle after joining them in January, is now expected to link with head coach Carl Robinson and his assistant, Kenny Miller, at Western Sydney Wanderers.
Robinson and Miller stunned Newcastle officials in October when they terminated long-term deals to sign with the Wanderers for the next three seasons.
Ibini, whom Robinson coached at Vancouver Whitecaps, has been agitating for a release ever since his former mentor departed.
He was missing training sessions and at one point took time off for a "mental health" break.
Eventually, McKinna's patience wore thin and Ibini was granted a release. It is understood he has agreed to buy out his contract to compensate Newcastle.
"We want to have players at our club who want to be here and play for the jersey," McKinna said.
"The rest of the boys are all training hard and showing a great attitude.
"We don't need anyone here who is just turning up because he has to, going through the motions.
"It was becoming a distraction and unfortunately the only real option was to give him a release."
Ibini could now join Robinson and Miller at McDonald Jones Stadium on January 5, when the Jets host the Wanderers in round two of their A-League campaign.
Central Coast have been Newcastle's traditional arch-rivals for the past 16 seasons, but McKinna said the Wanderers should now be expecting a similarly hostile reception every time they venture up the M1.
"I hope our fans show Bernie, Carl and Kenny what they're missing out on, and the effect a parochial crowd can have on the home team," he said.
"They've moved on, and that's in the past, but there'll be a lot of feeling there amongst our supporters and I think that's good.
"It will give the game a bit of edge and atmosphere."
Asked if the Wanderers could supersede the Mariners as Newcastle's No.1 grudge match, McKinna replied: "I think the Mariners' rivalry will always be there, but I suppose it's nice to have two.
"Especially for the fans.
"It wasn't that long ago the Wanderers used to bring a lot of fans when they played up here. It would be nice to get back to those days."
McKinna admitted it would be "tough" to replace a player of Ibini's quality so close to the start of the season.
Not only has COVID-19 made it a challenge to import players from overseas, but the Jets are operating on a shoestring budget while the search continues for a new owner.
McKinna helped launch Ibini's career, picking the then 18-year-old for his A-League debut during their time at the Mariners.
Asked was he disappointed about Ibini's behaviour, McKinna offered a wry smile and replied: "I've been in football for a long time, and you go through a lot of ups and downs.
"It's disappointing, but he's got his reasons."
