Newcastle Jets are pleased to confirm the signing of promising left-sided central defender Lachlan Jackson on a one-season Hyundai A-League contract.
Jackson arrives at the Jets having made three senior appearances for competition rivals Brisbane Roar in last season’s A-League.
The addition of Jackson to the Jets’ senior roster completes the club’s requirements under A-League regulations to contract three players aged 20 or under. Jackson joins Radovan Pavicevic and Joshua Barresi in this group.
Born in Townsville, the tall 20-year-old was a member of Roar’s 2015 AFC Champions League squad and indeed scored his maiden A-League goal against Newcastle in the final regular season round last campaign.
Jackson completed his medical with the club on Friday and will commence training with the first team today.
The youngster said that he is delighted to be taking the next step in his career by penning his first professional contract with Newcastle.
“I am excited to join the Jets,” Jackson said. “I think moving down here is a good choice for me.”
“Working with Scott [Miller] and ‘JP’ [Jean-Paul de Marigny] I think I can progress my career.”
“Towards the end of last season I got to make a few senior appearances for Brisbane, and in the game against Newcastle I think they saw something that they liked, which is encouraging.”
“I am looking forward to being part of the rebuild here in Newcastle, and helping to establish the Jets as a strong competitor.”
Newcastle Jets mentor Miller said that Jackson would add depth and balance to his central defensive options.
“In Lachlan we see a player with substantial potential and someone who ought to benefit from being in a full time environment learning from experienced professionals in his position, particularly Nigel Boogaard and Daniel Mullen,” Miller said.
“He’s exceptionally driven and demonstrates sound tactical awareness and composure in possession, which are desirable traits for our club and team.
“While Lachlan starts with us on a one-season contract, we view him as a player who can develop into a regular A-League starter with the club in the coming years.
“As a club we’re excited to help Lachlan achieve his goals,” Miller concluded.
