Ask 20-year old midfielder Mitch Oxborrow what the best move of his football career has been so far and he’ll happily say moving back to his home town of Perth.
“I came back at the right time, it’s the right place I’m surrounded by the right people and it is the right club for me” he said.
Oxborrow and his family moved to Perth from England when he was 10. At 15 “The OX” moved to Canberra to take up a place at the Australian Institute of Sport. From there he spent two years at the Newcastle Jets under the stewardship of former coach Gary Van Egmond.
“But after a couple of years I got homesick and I wanted to come home. A lot’s changed for both clubs since I first got to the Jets but it was harder for me at Newcastle, I was only 16 and 17 whereas now I’m older and I know how to handle certain situations better.”
The Perth Glory FC young gun is a one of several local players who have featured in Kenny Lowe’s plans this season however Oxborrow missed three games after a serious knock to his knee at training last month.
“It’s been a bit disappointing for me to be honest. I’ve missed a few games with the knock so I’m only getting back into swing of things, so I’m looking to progress as best I can”.
After playing in the National Youth League for most of last season, Oxborrow was rewarded in January with a senior contract.
“I want to cement a first team spot and contribute to as many goals as possible. I want to be involved in going forward and splitting defences and do what I feel I’m capable of doing” he revealed.
“At the moment when I’ve been playing I’ve been in that number 6 role and holding back but at times Kenny has asked me to push forward and admittedly I want to go forward rather than defend. It suits me better, but I’ll do whatever job Kenny asks me to do”.
Oxborrow came off the bench against Melbourne City last week in what resutled in a 5-1 loss.
He said the team was determined to make amends this weekend against Adelaide.
“Last week was an eye opener for the boys, it’s a big turning point and I think this week will be a big moment for us and a win is not far away”.
The match against United is scheduled for a 430pm WST kick-off.
Perth Glory returns to nib Stadium in a jam packed Festive Feast of Football starting December 12.
