Football: Mitch Nichols to let his football do the talking for Wellington Phoenix

Former Western Sydney midfielder Mitch Nichols has signed a two-year deal with the Wellington Phoenix. Photo / Getty Images

Mitch Nichols has got a point to prove, and he's hoping a two-year deal with the Wellington Phoenix will give him the chance do just that.

The Australian midfielder's career came to a standstill over the past 12 months following his mid-2017 arrest for cocaine possession, with his two-year deal with Perth Glory being mutually terminated after eight months for "family reasons."

Out of the footballing environment since February, Nichols said he was ready to get back onto the pitch and prove his doubters wrong.

"Everyone's always got a point to prove," Nichols said.

"I did make a mistake and paid for that.... but I've always got a point to prove so my football can do the talking; win games, score goals; and everyone can talk about that.

"Everyone writes the 'Nix off in Australia, and even over here a little bit, so that's a big challenge. If we can be in the top two or win something this year, that's going to be a good thing."

Team mates! Welcome to the #Nix family Mitch and @willo_15 💪🏼👌🏼 pic.twitter.com/UYlC8sW4h7

— Wellington Phoenix 🔥 (@WgtnPhoenixFC) July 23, 2018

The Phoenix will be the 29-year-old's fifth team in the A-League, having also suited up for Perth, Melbourne Victory, Brisbane Roar and Western Sydney Wanderers in 219 appearances over 11 seasons in the competition. He has also earned five caps for the Australian national team, making his debut in 2009.

He'll be joined at the club by fellow Australian David Williams, who has signed a one-year deal. In 148 A-League appearances for the Roar, Sydney FC and Melbourne City, the 30-year-old striker has 29 goals to his name, and has most recently been playing his football in Hungary.

Williams said he weighed up a few options before signing on the dotted line with the Phoenix, but Rudan's vision for the team was a big part in his decision.

"Mark has a very clear vision of where the club can go this season," Williams said. "Mark's an extremely driven coach and after talking to him about the project here I wanted to be a part of it."

"With the club, it's just a clean slate for everyone. Like I said I did have a few options, but I needed a challenge."

Nichols and Williams' signings follow on from the additions of ex-English Premier League defender Steven Taylor and Polish international keeper Filip Kurto, while the club were expected to unveil Polish midfielder Michal Kopczynski later in the week.