Jets sign Mitchell

Former Perth Glory defender Josh Mitchell has returned home, signing a two-year deal with the Newcastle Jets.

The Belmont-born 28-year-old was invited to a trial with the Jets three weeks ago, impressing coach Gary van Egmond.

Mitchell, comfortable on the left-hand side of defence and centrally, joined the Glory in 2010 after a spell with Romanian side Universitatea Craiova.

Van Egmond hinted at using the defender at left-back and said Mitchell, who failed to earn a new deal with Perth, brought several other strong qualities to his team.

“I have coached Josh before and I know what he can bring to the team,” he 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.”