Newcastle Jets snap up midfield starlet

Newcastle Jets' focus on youth goes on, with the Hyundai A-League club securing promising young midfielder Pat Langlois on a first-team contract. 

The 19-year-old made his senior debut in Round 26's memorable 6-1 away win at Brisbane Roar and this week signed a deal that ties him to the Jets until at least the end of the 2019/20 season. 

Formerly with Broadmeadow Magic, and a regular in the Jets' NPL Northern NSW side, he joins Angus Thurgate (19) and Jack Simmons (17) as players who have earned first-team debuts for the Hunter club while part of the Jets' scholarship program. 

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Feature image: www.newcastlejets.com.au

Jets coach Ernie Merrick made no secret of his desire to blood the club's youngsters towards the end of the 2018/19 campaign, as he looked forward to next season, with 22-year-olds Joey Champness and Ivan Vujica, and Johnny Koutroumbis (21) all featuring prominently.

“We signed Pat to a scholarship contract in February last year, and he’s gone from strength to strength,” Merrick told Newcastle Jets' official website.

“I’ve heard plenty of good things from Labi Haliti and Lawrie McKinna about his performances in the youth team, and Pat has shown in training all season how much ability and potential he has.

“The fact that he’s a local junior is another huge plus for him and for the club, it shows those boys coming through the academy that there are pathways for them to one day join the first team.”

Langlois was delighted to sign a full professional contract with his local Club.

“I grew up in Newcastle watching and supporting the Jets, so to sign a full-time contract with the club is a dream come true,” he said.

“Labi and Lawrie helped me take that next step in the youth team, and then for Ernie to show faith and give me my first A-League start was incredible.   

“Hopefully I can build on that next year, get a few more games under my belt and continue to improve my football.”