Newcastle Jets have announced the signing of former Melbourne Victory flyer Andrew Nabbout on a two-season Hyundai A-League contract.
23-year-old Nabbout returns to the Hyundai A-League from Malaysia where he last played with Negeri Sembilan in the nation’s Premier League.
Nabbout scored nine goals in 14 competitive games for ‘The Jangs’ in 2016, however left the side from the Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium in early July with an ambition to return to professional football in his homeland.
Transfer news: A-League keeper signs for EPL club
It hasn’t taken the versatile attacker long to land a new contract in Australia with Nabbout impressing Jets Head Coach Scott Miller and his staff during his week-long trial at the club last week.
Nabbout, who can play in a range of positions across the front third, could make his first appearance in Jets colours as early as Wednesday night when Miller’s men play the PS4 NPL Select side in a friendly at Magic Park, Broadmeadow.
And Nabbout may make his competitive bow for Newcastle against his old club Melbourne Victory when the two teams meet in the Round of 32 of the 2016 Westfield FFA Cup on Wednesday 3 August.
Nabbout said that he’s happy to have signed on the dotted line for the Jets and is eager to repay the faith that the club has instilled in him.
“The Jets are the perfect team for me to join,” Nabbout said. “I want to do everything I can this year to play.”
“Scott [Miller] as the Head Coach wants to promote young players, so this is the perfect opportunity for me to play and help the team.”
“The training standards since I have got to Newcastle have been good, the meetings and education we’re receiving off the pitch is great, and the boys have been very good to me.”
“I have a point to prove [in the Hyundai A-League] and I want to repay the faith that Scott has put in me,” Nabbout concluded.
Newcastle Jets Head Coach Miller said Nabbout’s technical qualities combined with his versatility to play in a range of attacking roles would benefit his squad.
“Andrew impressed us during his week-long trial and has been identified as a player that demonstrates the right technical qualities we are looking for to further develop our squad and to create a competitive environment,” Miller said.
“His [Nabbout’s] ability to play numerous positions in the final third is attractive, and his addition will provide the coaching staff with flexibility in regards to our systems and styles of play.”
“Competition for starting places was limited last season, however through the off season it’s been our aim to increase the overall quality of the squad to enhance and support the performance culture,” Miller concluded.
