Newcastle Jets have today bolstered their midfield stocks for the 2016/17 Hyundai A-League season with the signing of former Fulham professional Wayne Brown.
The 27-year-old links with the Jets on a two-year deal, keeping him at the club until at least the end of the 2017/18 season.
Brown started his career at English Premier League side Fulham, where he was a graduate of the club’s academy, before earning a professional contract from 2007-10.
Hyundai A-League transfer wrap for season 2016/17
The midfielder made his Premier League debut for The Cottagers against Manchester United at Old Trafford in 2009, coming up against the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Carlos Tevez and Dimitar Berbatov.
Brown has played for English Championship club Brentford FC, League 1 club Bristol Rovers and Finnish Premier League clubs TPS FC and SJK FC.
During his time on loan at TPS FC in 2009, Brown was named the club’s Midfielder of the Season and Player of the Year. He was also named in the 2009 Finnish Premier League Team of the Season.
Brown led SJK to second place in 2014 and one step better winning the Finnish Championship in 2015.
Jets boss Scott Miller said Brown will be a valuable addition to the squad given his experience and having worked with the midfielder previously during his time at Fulham.
“Having known and worked with Wayne at Fulham FC for a number of years I am confident his physical and technical ability will be of great value to the squad,” Miller said.
Brown, who will commence pre-season training in late June, said that he is excited to work with Miller again.
“I worked under him at Fulham and I know how professional, dedicated and passionate he is. This is the type of manager I want to work under that demands high standards and effort all the time,” Brown said.
“I’m looking forward to pre-season, getting to know the rest of the team and learning how they play, hopefully I can fit in well.”
“I’m looking forward to the challenge. The team has made progress this season and we will look to build and progress on and off the field next season. I’m looking forward to meeting the fans for the first time. I watched one of the derby games and the passion they showed was amazing and I can’t wait to be part of that.”
Brown hopes his versatility can help bring stability to the Jets lineup and is confident he can contribute goals from midfield as well.
“I’m hoping to bring some goals and assistance to the club as part of the playing group. I like to shoot when I get the opportunity,” Brown said.
“I can play all across the midfield and I think my technical ability and passing range is my main asset that I can bring to the club.”
