The Newcastle Jets have strengthened their midfield with the arrival of Zach Clough, a seasoned A-League and international campaigner.

His signing also allows the 30-year-old, returning from a stint with Malaysia’s Selangor FC, to reunite with head coach Mark Milligan.

The pair worked together in South Australia.

Clough, who played 85 games and scored 19 goals for Adelaide United, linked up with his new teammates at training this week, while reconnecting with the Socceroos great following some fruitful discussions in recent times.

“I worked with Millsy for nearly two years [in Adelaide],” he said.  

“I’ve only got really good things to say about him… and, the way he sees football is exactly how I like to play. 

“So, it’s perfect for me to come here at this time of my career.

“Millsy’s approach is very intense but it’s also very structured.

“It’s exactly how I expected it to be from watching the games. 

“I’ve been really impressed with the style and the young players have picked it up really well. 

“But, I think I can bring experience to the team and fit into his system pretty well.”

Arriving in Newcastle just days ago, the midfielder stated he’d already had a positive start to life at the Jets. 

“I’ve been enjoying it (the move) and the weather’s been good,” Clough said.

“The climate’s a lot better than Malaysia, too… and it’s a really nice town. 

“I’m still very new here, so I’ve been settling in slowly and, hopefully, I can get out on the pitch very soon.

“I really enjoyed this league in Australia… and I think it really suits the type of player I am. 

“I’m excited to show that here at Newcastle.”

Looking ahead, Clough is managing his recovery from a minor hip flexor injury in Malaysia while preparing for ALM selection. 

“Millsy will keep his eye on me and make sure I’m ready,” he said.

“I’m focused on managing my body and making sure I get up to speed, so I can start and hit the ground running.”

Clough’s arrival also comes at a key time for the Jets, with several midfielders sidelined with injuries and a young squad pushing for consistency as the season builds.

“We’ve lost a lot of key players,” he told the Newcastle Weekly.

“Looking at the team from the weekend against Melbourne City, I think it’s going to be hard to get in because the young boys are doing really well. 

“I’ll be pushing hard to make an impact as quickly as possible and to help the team achieve what we want to achieve this year. 

“Hopefully, that will be the finals and then pushing on to win the whole thing. 

“I want to be here (at the club) for a long time.”

Clough admitted his experience was something he hoped to pass on to the squad.

“I’m 31 this year, and the team is really young,” he said.

“But, it also has a good mix of experienced players as well. 

“I’m hoping I can add to that.

“I want to speak to the boys as much as possible to learn from everyone and just to get to know them.

“That’s why I came back… I want to improve and work with really good coaches.

“I’m still at an age where I can give a lot – and I’m still in my prime.” 

The Jets head to Sydney to tackle Western Sydney Wanderers at CommBank Stadium on Saturday 17 January, with kick-off scheduled for 5pm.

They return home to McDonald Jones Stadium for a crucial clash with the Wellington Phoenix on Friday 23 January.

For more sports stories:

• Maitland Greyhounds survive as Muswellbrook axed in industry shake-up
• Coalfields cricketers come out swinging after festive break
• State’s largest outrigging regatta returns to Newcastle

Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, real estate, entertainment, lifestyle and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.