Future bright for Jets: Birighitti
Helping fire Newcastle Jets to the A-League finals for the first time since 2010 is Mark Birighitti’s only focus after the West Australian signed with the club for another 12 months.
The goalkeeper has recently been linked with several teams, most notably Perth Glory.
And having just finished a loan spell with relegated Italian Serie B side AS Varese from the Jets, Europe is still a longer-term ambition.
But with Football Federation Australia having taken control of the Jets from mining magnate Nathan Tinkler, and new coach Scott Miller appointed on Thursday, Birighitti can see a bright future for the side which finished bottom last season.
“It was an easy decision,” he said after penning the new FFA contract. “I love the place, I love the club, I love the people there.
“It’s a similar situation to one I was in with Adelaide. The FFA took over and did wonders.
“Now with a new coaching staff and new people involved, there’s bright things to come and we can be a real force in the A-League.
“I had conversations with Glory and several other A-League clubs but I just feel going back to Newcastle is the right decision for me.”
A product of ECU Joondalup and Perth SC, Birighitti was capped by the Socceroos in 2013. Last year he almost moved to Bundesliga outfit Bayer Leverkusen.
“Getting called up the national team is always fantastic but I don’t want to get too far ahead of myself,” he said.
“Don’t get me wrong, every young footballer wants to play in the big leagues. I’ve just signed with [former Socceroo] Vinnie Grella, who’s quite a big person in the football industry.
“But the next nine months are crucial. I’m 24 now and all I want to worry about is getting the No.1 spot and achieving big things with Newcastle this season.”
Speaking to thewest.com.au yesterday, Birighitti had not yet spoken to former Fulham assistant coach Miller - the youngest A-League coach at 33.
"He was involved in the national team set-up under Ange for a little bit, I’m sure he would have learnt a lot there," Birighitti said.
"And being involved at Fulham under some great managers, I’m sure he will want to develop what he learnt at a high level."
