Olyroos captain Mark Milligan has signed a contract to play for defending Hyundai A-League champions the Newcastle Jets and will make his debut for the club in the Round 11 fixture against Perth Glory on November 9.
The former Sydney FC defender will play a guest player for a seven-week stint with the club before taking a regular spot in the squad for the 2009/2010 Hyundai A-League season. The news ends speculation about the future of the talented 23-year-old after his recent trials with clubs in Europe and the UK.
Newcastle Jets coach Gary van Egmond said the arrival of Milligan, who has earned six international caps with the Socceroos and was part of Australia’s World Cup campaign in Germany in 2006, will significantly bolster Newcastle’s stocks in its title defence.
“We’re delighted to have a player of Mark’s calibre joining our squad,” van Egmond said.
“I feel that he will add a significant amount to our playing group in regards to his ability and experience and he should slot straight into the team.”
“It’s great to have Mark signed for now and next season also. It boosts our squad, not only in terms of personnel, but it gives a lift to those boys already here.”
“I think it really shows our ambition as a club and that we-re serious about our title defence, and creating a strong squad into the future.”
“I’m looking forward to working with him for the duration of his time in Newcastle.”
Milligan will begin training with the Jets from Tuesday afternoon.
