Newcastle Jets have added plenty of experience to their side ahead of the new Isuzu UTE A-League season, signing Irish central defender Joe Shaughnessy on a two-year deal.
Having most recently left Scottish Premiership outfit Dundee, Shaughnessy joins the Jets on a deal until the end of the 2026-27 campaign and will bring leadership to head coach Mark Milligan’s youthful side.
While a knee injury restricted the 33-year-old to just 10 appearances for Dundee last season Shaughnessy has made over 300 appearances in Scottish football’s top flight for the likes of St. Johnstone, Aberdeen and St. Mirren.
“I’m excited to have signed with the Newcastle Jets,” said Shaugnessy after putting pen-to-paper on his new deal. “I can’t wait to get over, meet everyone and start working.
“When the opportunity presented itself, it really didn’t take me long to decide, I spoke to a few Aussie players that I’ve crossed paths within Scotland, and they all spoke very highly of the club and city.
“It’s a new challenge for me but one that I’m looking forward to getting stuck into.
“I’d like to help the club improve on their results/performances from last season and I hope that with the experience I’ll bring from my career so far, I’ll be able to play my part in this new
chapter for the club.”
The acquisition of Shaughnessy marks Newcastle’s third foray into the transfer window this off-season following on from the captures of attacking midfielder duo Alex Badolato and Max Burgess.
“Joe brings a wealth of experience to the Jets,” said Jets head coach Milligan.
“He has been in leadership positions at all the clubs he has played for and that leadership will be invaluable in helping grow the football that we endeavour to play.
“Joe, like all the players we are bringing in, first and foremost, will add to the playing group as a person and then as a footballer.
“Joe’s character will help mould the team we have into the football team we will become.”
