Jets sign Josh Mitchell

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.”