CARL Robinson will coach Western Sydney Wanderers in the upcoming A-League season, leaving Newcastle searching for a new head coach.
The Jets confirmed the widely-tipped move in a statement on Thursday morning, noting the search for a new head coach was underway.
McKinna said there would be news about a new coach "when new ownership is rubber stamped in the near future".
Assistant coach Kenny Miller will also head to the Wanderers.
"We'd like to thank Carl and Kenny for their efforts here in Newcastle, especially for returning to Australia during the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic without their families to see the season out," Newcastle Jets chief executive Lawrie McKinna said.
"While we'd have loved for Carl to remain in Newcastle and continue to guide our team over the next three years, circumstances out of our control meant that the Wanderers presented the pair with an opportunity which they wanted to explore.
"There was an agreement in the contract which dictated that if any approaches were made for Carl over the course of his three-year deal, we had to notify him of the interest.
"They asked for the chance to speak to the Wanderers, and due to the current circumstances at the club the situation developed."
McKinna said that he understood the move would disappoint "the thousands of Members and fans that support the club and support us through thick and thin".
"The search for a new head coach has already commenced, and we will have more information around this when new ownership is rubber stamped in the near future," he said.
Robinson joined Newcastle Jets in February, guiding the side to six wins, three draws, and a loss during his ten games in charge.
In a club statement, he paid tribute to the Jets.
"I really enjoyed my time at the Club, I loved working alongside Lawrie McKinna and Joel Griffiths, and all the great people that were involved in the support staff and beyond," Robinson said.
