Newcastle Jets have signed the former Melbourne Victory winger Mitch Austin.
The Jets have become the English-born player's third A-League club.
He has earned his deal after a successful trial, having been released by Victory coach Kevin Muscat at the end of last season.
Austin returned to Australia in 2015 after a spell in England which had seen him spend two seasons with Cambridge United.
He missed just four games in his season with Central Coast in 2015/16 but then asked to be released from the second year of his contract to join Victory.
Jets coach Ernie Merrick believes the 27-year-old, who has now recovered from the ACL injury he suffered early last season, will provide the club with plenty of options.
"I've watched Mitch play for a couple of years now and I'm excited to have him at the club," said Merrick. "He's been training with us for a couple of weeks and has shown he has the attributes I look for in an attacking player.
"Mitch can play anywhere across the front third and will improve our depth. He possesses plenty of pace which will no doubt trouble opposition defences."
Merrick has lost five players, including Argentinian striker Patito Rodriguez, since the end of last season when the Jets lost in the Grand Final to Victory.
Until this week he'd only brought in one player, but Austin's signing follows hard on the heels of that of Brazilian forward Jair.
Austin said: "The opportunity to play under Ernie really appealed to me. His attacking mind-set and the freedom he gives players in the front third is something which will suit the way I like to play."
Newcastle are 5/1 to win the Grand Final and 6/5 to win their first game of the season against Wellington, who are 2/1 with the draw 13/5.
View all Soccer betting
Newcastle Jets have signed the former Melbourne Victory winger Mitch Austin.
The Jets have become the English-born player's third A-League club.
He has earned his deal after a successful trial, having been released by Victory coach Kevin Muscat at the end of last season.
Austin returned to Australia in 2015 after a spell in England which had seen him spend two seasons with Cambridge United.
He missed just four games in his season with Central Coast in 2015/16 but then asked to be released from the second year of his contract to join Victory.
Jets coach Ernie Merrick believes the 27-year-old, who has now recovered from the ACL injury he suffered early last season, will provide the club with plenty of options.
"I've watched Mitch play for a couple of years now and I'm excited to have him at the club," said Merrick. "He's been training with us for a couple of weeks and has shown he has the attributes I look for in an attacking player.
"Mitch can play anywhere across the front third and will improve our depth. He possesses plenty of pace which will no doubt trouble opposition defences."
Merrick has lost five players, including Argentinian striker Patito Rodriguez, since the end of last season when the Jets lost in the Grand Final to Victory.
Until this week he'd only brought in one player, but Austin's signing follows hard on the heels of that of Brazilian forward Jair.
Austin said: "The opportunity to play under Ernie really appealed to me. His attacking mind-set and the freedom he gives players in the front third is something which will suit the way I like to play."
Newcastle are 5/1 to win the Grand Final and 6/5 to win their first game of the season against Wellington, who are 2/1 with the draw 13/5.
Source: bet365.com