Van’t Schip announced yesterday that he would quit at the end of the campaign to return to the Netherlands.

Assistant coach and former Jet Ante Milicic is the favourite for the job, but Culina has been mentioned among a host of potential candidates including Frank Farina, John Aloisi, Paul Okon and Lawrie McKinna.

The veteran coach was sacked by the Jets four days before the season opener against the Heart.

The club also moved to have his son Jason’s marquee contract set aside on the same day after it was revealed the Socceroo required season-ending surgery and may not play again.

Branko, who had four years to run on his contract, reached a settlement with the Jets last month. Jason’s case is headed to arbitration.

‘‘I miss coaching, and the way things ended up at Newcastle I am more determined than ever to get back into coaching,’’ Branko said. ‘‘Where and with who, I don’t know.

‘‘I don’t know what the Heart’s intentions are. They may already have something sorted out. All I know is that I believe I have a lot to offer.’’

Culina said he was surprised van’t Schip was leaving but had learnt to expect the unexpected.

‘‘You never know what is around the corner. I read that Sydney are hot favourites to get Graham Arnold and I thought he was comfortable at the Central Coast.

‘‘I never thought I would get sacked four days before the start of the season either.’’

● Former Jet Ljubo Milicivic has left Croatian club Hajduk Split with 18 months left on his contract after struggling with injuries.