Perth Glory announce signing of former Southampton fullback Joseph Mills

PERTH Glory has bolstered its defensive stocks after signing experienced English defender Joseph Mills (26).

The attacking fullback is a product of Southampton’s academy where he trained and lived with Gareth Bale and Theo Walcott.

He made his debut for the Saints senior team at 18.

Mills said the excitement of a new challenge and playing in a different country was the lure behind signing a two-year deal.

“I know that it is a tough league, but a very technical game, which is one of the reasons why it attracted me to it,” he said.

“I’ve enjoyed playing in England so far and had some very successful moments; this was just an opportunity that is something I couldn’t turn down. It’s a great club that wants to accomplish things, and I want to be a part of that.”

Mills hails from a football family and has plied his trade in the tough lower divisions of the English Championship and League One over the past eight years and has made nearly 180 appearances for Southampton, Reading, Burnley and more recently Oldham Athletic.

He and his brother Matthew (currently at Nottingham Forest ) represented England at youth level (Under-17, Under-18 and Under-19).

Mills will enjoy a family reunion with his older brother Jonathan, who has called WA home for five years.

“He has always told me about the city and how it’s a great place to live,” he said.

Meantime, goalkeeper Jerrad Tyson and Perth Glory have agreed to part ways.

The 26-year old made two appearances for Glory during last year’s FFA Cup campaign, which included three stunning saves in a dramatic penalty shootout win against Newcastle Jets in the Round of 32.