23 Jul 2018

Phoenix sign former Socceroos

6:05 pm on 23 July 2018

Wellington Phoenix coach Mark Rudan is hoping to eke the best out of two former Socceroos after signing Mitch Nichols and David Williams.

Mitch Nichols carries the ball while playing for the Western Sydney Wanderers against the Phoenix in 2016.

Mitch Nichols carries the ball while playing for the Western Sydney Wanderers against the Phoenix in 2016. Photo: Photosport

The A-League veterans are the first Australians Rudan has lured to the Kiwi club and the first players with attacking intent.

Midfielder Nichols, 29, was without a club after one of his less productive campaigns last season, scoring one goal in 13 appearances for Perth Glory.

Striker Williams, 30, is leaving the Hungarian top flight after spending almost three seasons with Haladas.

Rudan said he wanted to recruit players proven at A-League level.

"They both can score goals, and they both are capable of a bit of x-factor which can change a game," Rudan said.

"But importantly for me, and right at the top of my player characteristics list is leadership and experience ... we have signed some real A-League grunt."

Nichols has scored 39 goals in 219 A-League appearances with Brisbane Roar, Melbourne Victory, Western Sydney Wanderers and Perth.

Williams banged in 29 goals from 148 A-League games, playing up front for five seasons with Melbourne City FC before leaving for Hungary in 2016.

He also played previously for North Queensland Fury and Brondby IF in Denmark.

Nichols has signed for two seasons while Williams secured a one-year deal.

The Queensland-born pair have played seven times between them for the national team.

Both of Williams' appearances were off the bench more than eight years ago while Nichols last played for Australia against Japan in a 2-1 friendly loss in Osaka in 2014.

Rudan's two previous player signings were for Visa slots, having secured Newcastle United centre back Steven Taylor and Polish goalkeeper Filip Kurta.

Another Pole is reportedly in the new coach's sights, with defensive midfielder Michal Kopczynski believed to be on the verge of agreeing to terms.

- AAP