After directing the Newcastle Jets around the park for several months Craig Deans has officially been appointed head coach.
He stepped in on an interim basis last October when Carl Robinson left to join Western Sydney.
Deans said he knew it was time to put his hat in the ring full time.
Since playing for Newcastle between 2003 and 2007, Deans has not left the city.
He has held a number of coaching roles over the years, including three stints as interim coach.
'I love being here'
Deans said coaching Newcastle was a dream job.
"The longer I've been in Newcastle the more I love being here," he said.
"My children have almost grown up here, so my family doesn't really know anything other than Newcastle.
After looking at a number of candidates, Newcastle Jets Chairman Shane Mattiske said the board was confident it selected the right person to take the club forward.
"He's clearly someone that comes from this community, he's deeply ingrained in this club, he knows our players," Mr Mattiske said.
"He's been able to demonstrate that he can bring this team together through what were some difficult times previously."
More resources next for Jets
A lack of financial input from previous club owner Martin Lee saw staffing numbers and off-field support decline over the last 18 months.
But Mr Mattiske said under the new owners that was about to change.
"So we'll be looking at support staff and we'll be looking at the other resources that sit around the club and we'll be talking with him [Deans] as we move forward [as to] what players do we need," he said.
That came as welcome news to Deans.
"It's not a fluke that you make the grand final — you get there because you have everything you need to be able to perform at the level that's needed," he said.
