New Perth Glory fullback Joseph Mills is relishing the opportunity to play in a new country and show the rest of the competition what he is capable of with his vast array of attacking prowess complementing his sturdy defensive capabilities.
The Southampton Academy graduate, who spent time training alongside Theo Walcott and Gareth Bale, has relocated to Perth after two seasons with League One Side Oldham Athletic.
“It’s a new country and a new style of play,” said the Englishman.
“For me, I just want to hit the ground running and do as well as I can but first and foremost I’ve got to put in the performances that the manager feels are good enough to get me a starting place. If not, then I’ll bide my time and when the time comes, make sure that I take the opportunity.”
Mills managed to play a half in the Glory’s win over the WA State Team in the Heritage Cup last week and will be eager to play a role in the FFA Cup clash against Sydney FC.
“Obviously, that’s the next competitive game. I know I still need to do some work. We’ve got Iraq too coming up which will be a good game and hopefully I can put it into the manager’s head that I’m available for selection if he needs me and when he needs me.”
The left wing-back has only been in Perth for three weeks and has already been welcomed with open arms by his new teammates.
“Yeah, to be fair that’s one thing that I’ve found here that the lads have been really, really welcoming. It’s been good. A lot of the lads know each other, obviously coming through the system but even a foreign player coming in, they’ve made us feel very welcome and at home and that’s a credit to the team atmosphere we’ve got here.”
The former England U17 and U18 international was convinced to make the journey to Perth, thanks to his brother spruiking the city he and his family now call home.
“(They sold me) everything really. He’d come over for a year just for a holiday and I think this is his sixth year here so that tells you a lot about him and the city. He loves it. He said how friendly a place it is to live and how everyone’s welcoming, which I’ve found and he said the summer here is something else so I’m looking forward to that too.
Joseph Mills will have more chances to impress Kenny Lowe within the next week as Perth Glory play Sydney FC in the RD of 16 FFA Cup blockbuster at Dorrien Gardens on August 30.
He hopes to be in the mix in a friendly against international side Iraq which will be held behind closed doors on August 25.
Iraq is in Perth ahead of its World Cup qualifier against the Socceroos on Thursday September 1 at NIB Stadium.
