Homegrown Newcastle Jets legend Nigel Boogaard will make a welcome return to the A-League club next month.

He?s set to replace Ken Schembri as the new general manager of football from 1 August.

It?s understood the Novocastrian will focus on managing the A-League Men?s (ALM) and Women?s (ALW) rosters, as well as providing direction to player development by leading the organisation?s Academy and Pre-Academy.

Born and raised in Newcastle, Boogaard?s career was spread across 16 seasons, making 122 appearances for the Jets with 121 of those as captain.

?I?m incredibly excited to be rejoining the club at such a pivotal moment,? he said.

?This region means a great deal to me.

?So, I?m honoured to have the opportunity to help shape its football future.

?With the strong backing of Maverick Sports Partners and the appointment of CEO Tain Drinkwater, it?s clear Newcastle is entering a bold new era.

?There?s a specific vision and renewed ambition to be a club that our people and communities are proud to belong to and re-establish the Jets as a competitive force in the A-Leagues.

?I?m committed to supporting our coaches and staff in developing the current and next generation of talent, while strengthening our pathway from youth to elite level.?

Drinkwater admitted Boogaard brought a wealth of experience to the organisation.

?Nigel?s made a significant contribution as a player and, now, as an executive in our business,? she said.

?His knowledge of our community, the league and club will be a key strength and we look forward to welcoming him back.

?I?d also like to acknowledge Ken Schembri, who has done a fantastic job as the general manager of football over the past 12 months.

?His commitment to the Newcastle Jets has been outstanding and we wish him all the very best for his future.?