​In fact, the Newcastle Jets manager liked the ground so much he said he’d love to bring an A-League game to Tamworth.

It wasn’t just the coach, though, with players and staff also complimenting the facilities.

“No doubt about it,” Merrick said when asked if Scully Park could host an A-League game.

“I’d love to play an A-League game up here up in Tamworth, that’d be terrific.

“We’ve got the pitch, it’s a great stand, just with the crowds that might come up, you might have to put another temporary stand up but it would be great to play an A-League game.”

It’d be music to Northern Inland Football president and Northern Inland co-coach Tim Coates’ ears.

Coates said, along with giving some local young guns a chance to match it with the best, bringing an A-League game to Tamworth was the end goal.

The signs are looking good with Merrick’s comments along with the turnout on Thursday night.

“I would have thought north of 1000 [people were here], it’s the first time we’ve done it and it’s a great thing to do,” Coates said.

“We’d like to do it again next year and Lawrie [Jets chief executive Lawrie McKinna] is keen to come back next year, they like playing on the surface.

“This is all about giving the kids a chance to have a run against the players and to try to get an in-season game, that’s what we’re really after.”

The fans who turned out on a night where the temperature plunged close to zero degrees were rewarded with a goal-fest by the Jets.

Eight goals in both halves saw Newcastle score an easy 16-0 win and there’s no doubting who the star of the show was.

New Jets signing Roy O’Donovan was clinical in front of goal with six goals to his name.

However, celebration of the night went to Ivan Vujica who’s Cheshire cat grin could be seen from all corners of the ground as he hammed it up in front of the crowd following his goal in the second half.

Despite the number of goals being scored, Northern Inland goalkeepers Troy Osborne and Dan Cherry won plaudits from the sidelines.

Merrick also said he’d be keeping an eye on several players – who he didn’t want to name – who caught his eye during the match.