Nichols not done
A-League gig still in his sights
MARQUEE man Mitch Nichols has not given up hope of an A-League return as he fights to keep the Gold Coast Knights in the NPL title hunt.
Capped five times by the Socceroos, Nichols made his debut for the Knights in the 1-1 NPL derby draw against Gold Coast United at Carrara on Saturday.
The 29-year-old midfielder, an A-League double winner with Brisbane Roar in 2010-11, has endured a difficult two years since leaving Western Sydney.
His European plans were scuppered in 2017 when he was arrested for cocaine possession and made just 20 A-League appearances for Perth and Wellington as injuries took their toll.
His two-year deal with the Phoenix was terminated by mutual consent in January, prompting the Palm Beach junior’s return to the Coast.
While he is happy for the “opportunity to continue playing football,” Nichols said he was not a spent force at Australia’s highest level.
“I still have ambitions to play back up there (in the ALeague), it just hasn’t worked out the last 18 months. So this could be a stepping stone for me,” said Nichols, who has also spent time with Melbourne Victory and Japanese club Cerezo Osaka.
“The last few years probably haven’t gone how I wanted to and I’ve had a bit of a break and I’m just ready to continue playing football.
“I’ve been training down here (at the Knights) for a while and with Grae (Piddick, coach) on and off for a couple of years in the off-season so I know what it’s about. It’s a good bunch of boys down here and I just really want to enjoy my football.
“I know what I’m capable of and I really just want to get that enjoyment back.”
The Knights, seven points adrift of leaders Peninsula Power, play away to struggling Moreton Bay at 6pm on Saturday.