Classy defender Scott Neville has walked out on the Perth Glory to join Newcastle Jets.
Classy defender Scott Neville has walked out on the Perth Glory to join Newcastle Jets.
Disgruntled Neville knocked back a reduced deal at the Glory, who are in the middle of a major cost-cutting mission following their Grand Final defeat to the Brisbane Roar.
Neville joins the Jets after making 63 Hyundai A-League appearances for Perth Glory since 2008.
He deputised for regular Glory captain Jacob Burns during the 2010/11 season and received the Glory’s Players’ Player award that same year.
Neville was also a member of the Olyroos squad during the recent Olympic qualifying campaign.
“Scott was a player we wanted to keep so it’s disappointing has decided to leave,” Perth Glory coach Ian Ferguson said.
The versatile 23-year-old has played the majority of his professional career at right back, but is comfortable in a variety of positions across defence and midfield.
“Scott is a leader and a great character, he is just the type of player we want at the Jets,” Newcastle Jets coach Gary van Egmond said.
“It is a courageous move to come over here because he could have stayed in his hometown, where he has been captain of Perth Glory.
“For his development he felt coming to the Jets was the best option.”
The Jets have also snared Melbourne Heart youngster Craig Goodwin.
Originally from Adelaide, Goodwin made his Hyundai A-League debut in Round 19 against Melbourne Victory, where he was named man of the match.
The-20-year-old’s effort was described by many as the most impressive debut in league history.
The exciting left-back went on to make four more appearances for the Heart, earning him a call-up to the Qantas Olyroos squad for their final Olympic qualifying match against Iraq.
Meanwhile Newcastle, who only last week reached an agreement with the FFA to see out their 10-year franchise license, have cut ties with Ali Abbas, Jeremy Brockie and Tarek Elrich.
