The Newcastle Jets today confirmed that Olyroo captain Mark Milligan will join the club for a period of seven weeks as a guest player, commencing from Round 11 of the 2008/2009 Hyundai A-League season. The talented defender has also signed with the club for the 2009/2010 Hyundai A-League season.
The Newcastle Jets today confirmed that Olyroo captain Mark Milligan will join the club for a period of seven weeks as a guest player, commencing from Round 11 of the 2008/2009 Hyundai A-League season. The talented defender has also signed with the club for the 2009/2010 Hyundai A-League season.
Milligan, 23, brings an abundance of experience to the Jets line-up, having been capped six times by the Socceroos, as well as being a member of Guus Hiddink-s 2006 FIFA World Cup squad, and leading the Olyroos throughout their 2008 Beijing Olympics campaign.
After recent trial spells in Europe and speculation that he would join various clubs in the English Premier League, German Bundesliga, and French Ligue 1, Milligan has returned to Australian shores to join the defending Hyundai A-League Champions.
Proficient at playing anywhere across the defensive line or higher up the pitch in the centre of midfield, the former Sydney FC player will add great utility value to the current playing roster. Indeed, Milligan-s versatility is one of the many qualities that Newcastle Jets Head coach Gary van Egmond believes will bolster 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.
Similar sentiments were today expressed by Jets Chief Executive Officer John Tsatsimas in welcoming Milligan to the Hunter-based club.
“We are certainly pleased to bring Mark on board,” he said. “We believe his ability and experience, particularly at international level, will be a massive boost for us as we continue our Championship defence.”
“Mark is a wonderful signing for our club, we are pleased to have secured his services and believe that he will represent Newcastle with the same distinction that he has served his country,” Mr. Tsatsimas said.
Mark Milligan Profile
Date of birth August 4, 1985
Place of birth Sydney, Australia
Playing position Defender/Midfielder
Playing History
Year Club Appearances (Goals)
2002-2004 Northern Spirit 16 (1)
2004-2005 Blacktown City 9 (5)
2005-2008 Sydney FC 42 (1)
National Teams
Appearances (Goals)
Australia Under-20-s 11 (0)
Australia Under-23-s 25 (7)
Australia 6 (0)
Achievements
• 2006 FIFA World Cup
• 2005 FIFA World Youth Championships
• 2005/06 Hyundai A-League Champions (Sydney FC)
• 2007 Asian Cup Finals
• 2008 Beijing Olympic Games
