Gary van Egmond has continued his redevelopment of the Newcastle Jets squad, signing Perth Glory defender Josh Mitchell on a two-year deal.
Gary van Egmond has continued his redevelopment of the Newcastle Jets squad, signing Perth Glory defender Josh Mitchell on a two-year deal.
Mitchell joins former Glory teammate Scott Neville and highly rated goalkeeper Mark Birighitti as van Egmond looks to stamp his own character on the team’s style and structure.
A Newcastle product, Mitchell played his junior football with Swansea Swans Soccer Club and started his professional career with the Newcastle United Jets.
After competing for the 2011/12 Championship with Perth, the Novocastrian was invited to trial with the Jets three weeks ago and van Egmond quickly made his mind up.
“I have coached Josh before and I know what he can bring to the team,” van Egmond said.
“Josh is a very good defender, he is naturally left-sided which helped as that was a position we were looking to fill.
“He brings leadership to the team; he leads by example and is a great communicator.
“It is fantastic we can bring someone like Josh, who is a local player, back to the Jets and to represent Newcastle.”
Van Egmond admitted he sees Mitchell as a regular member of his starting XI for next season.
“Everyone is competing for spots this pre-season, but coming in as a 28-year-old, I am not looking at him being a squad player,” van Egmond added.
“Whilst I don’t think it will be an issue for him, he has to keep working hard and proving himself to get a spot in the starting side.”
