Just over a week out from their A-League season opener, Central Coast has been rocked by the departure of coach Mark Jackson.
The Mariners are due to begin their campaign with the F3 Derby against Newcastle on Sunday, October 19, but they now have to contend with the search for a new head coach as well.
Jackson, 48, oversaw a successful period at the club but has departed in favour of an "exciting international coaching opportunity" which has yet to be confirmed.
In announcing the move, complete with a bare bones social media post presumably made while the more design savvy employees were on their lunch break, the Mariners thanked the Englishman for his contribution.
"We are grateful to Mark for the commitment he’s shown during his time at the Mariners," Central Coast CEO Greg Brownlow said.
"He’s led the team with great passion and care for our players, and we wish him all the best for his next challenge internationally."
No interim coach has been confirmed as yet.
"While Mark’s decision has come as a surprise, the club remains resolute and strong, and our players are professional athletes who are preparing as normal as we move toward our exciting clash in the F3 Derby against our fierce rivals, the Jets," a club statement read.
Jackson's contribution to club culminated in a highly successful 2023-24 campaign, in which the club took out the A-League Premiership, the Championship and the AFC Cup.