Jets sign Cooper, Bridges

Newcastle Jets have signed midfielder Mitch Cooper while they have retained the services of veteran striker Michael Bridges for another season.

Cooper, 17, has joined the club from Gold Coast United on a two-year deal.

He became the youngest person ever to captain an A-League club last season and represented his country at the 2011 FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Mexico.

“The opportunity to come and play at the Jets is great,” Cooper said.

“I am excited with Gary van Egmond as coach, I’ve been with him in the Under 17s and thought very highly of him.”

The signing of Cooper was just the latest of van Egmond’s young signings, with defenders Scott Neville (23) and Craig Goodwin (20), midfielder James Brown (22), goalkeeper Mark Birighitti (21) and striker Adam Taggart (18) all joining in the off-season.

And the Jets boss was delighted with his capture of the talented midfielder.

“Mitch is another one of the excellent young players coming into the A-League,” van Egmond said.

“Last season Mitch showed he is capable of playing at A-League level when given the opportunity.

“We are really excited to have attracted him to Newcastle and think he has a bright future with the Jets.”

With all the youth coming into the club, having an experienced player like Bridges to learn off will be of great benefit to the Newcastle youngsters.

Bridges, who scored 19 goals for Leeds United in the 1999-2000 season of the English Premier League, is pleased his future has been sorted.

“I’m delighted to be back on board and it’s obviously great timing with the first week of pre-season,” Bridges said.

“I’m delighted now to finally put it to rest so I can concentrate on the rest of the season. I wouldn’t have gone around again and I don’t think the coaching staff would have given me the opportunity if they didn’t feel it was the right decision as well.

“I’ve looked after myself and it was great being back this week.”

Van Egmond said what Bridges brings, not only on the field but off it, makes him a valuable member of the Jets squad.

“Michael is an important signing, especially because he brings great experience to the team and support for the younger players,” van Egmond said.

“He has a great attitude at training and a level of professionalism we want at the club, as well as obviously being a good footballer.”