Ledley eyes long stay to aid Jets' Hyundai A-League revival

He’s yet to play his first game for the club but new recruit Joe Ledley is already talking about being at Newcastle Jets beyond this season.

Wales international Ledley signed with the Jets on Tuesday on a three-month deal for the remainder of the Hyundai A-League 2019/20 Season.

The 33-year-old, who hasn’t played since leaving Championship club Charlton last month, reunites with former Wales teammate and now Jets boss Carl Robinson.

A combative and composed midfielder, Ledley will bring big-game experience to the Jets which he hopes can turn the team’s fortunes around.

"I have watched a few Newcastle games and they have played some great football...playing out from the back and dominating possession, which is my sort of game," Ledley said after he was unveiled on Tuesday.

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"That is what I like to do, get on the ball and play. From a football point of view it was a no-brainer.

"Hopefully we can get back to winning games. We are here to win football games. It is all about winning for me.

"You get that winning mentality when you join clubs like Celtic. It sticks with you then for the rest of your career. We were successful as well with the national team. You need to have that winning mentality in football and work as hard as you can."

Ledley, along with fellow new recruit Bernie Ibini, will begin training immediately and hopes to be involved in Saturday’s home clash against Perth Glory.

READ: Robinson accepts Jets may need to adjust to include Hoolahan
READ: ‘I’m sick of the beach, I want to play’: Hoolahan’s joy at long-awaited debut

Bernie Ibini on the training pitch with the Jets after signing on Monday
Bernie Ibini on the training pitch with the Jets after signing on Monday

While he hasn’t played since leaving Charlton last month, the former Celtic and Crystal Palace midfielder has been training with League Two club Newport County.

While he initially hoped to find a new club back in Wales, the chance to play outside of the UK and link up with Robinson was too hard to turn down.

"When I spoke to my family and friends, I didn't want to regret never playing abroad,” Ledley said.

"I have played in the English and British leagues all my career. I wanted to try something new. Sometimes change is good.

"It is a great opportunity for me to come and get as many games as I can under my belt. I have come here to see how I get on, see if I enjoy it. Hopefully, I will be here next season."

SIGNING NEWS: Ibini inks short-term deal with Newcastle
TALKING POINTS: Robinson's selection dilemma at Newcastle - who misses out?

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This article was originally published on the Hyundai A-League website.
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