Milligan lands with Jets

Former Sydney FC favourite Mark Milligan will join Newcastle Jets for seven weeks as a guest player from Round 11 of this A-League season and then permanently as of next season.

Milligan had trialled with several high-profile clubs in Europe, including Arsenal, Manchester City and Werder Bremen and was reported to be close to signing deals with FC Porto, Blackburn Rovers and more recently Greek club Iraklis.

However the Jets have secured his services for a seven week stint as a guest player from Round 11 and also as a squad member for the 2009/2010 A-League season.

The 23 year old can play anywhere across the defensive line or in the centre of midfield and Newcastle Head coach Gary van Egmond belives he will add great utility value to his squad.

“We’re delighted to have a player of Mark’s calibre joining our squad. I feel that he will add a significant amount to our playing group in regards to his ability and experience and he should slot straight into the team,” he said.

“It’s great to have Mark signed for now and next season also. It boosts our squad, not only in terms of personnel, but it gives a lift to those boys already here. I think it really shows our ambition as a club and that we’re serious about our title defence, and creating a strong squad into the future.”

“I’m looking forward to working with him for the duration of his time in Newcastle,” concluded van Egmond.

Milligan has been capped six times for the Socceroos and lead the Olyroos throughout their 2008 Beijing Olympics campaign.

Milligan will train with the team this afternoon and will be formally presented his playing jersey at a media conference tomorrow.

Published on October 21, 2008