Wellington Phoenix add 'real grunt' with two former Socceroos

Wellington Phoenix have signed attacking duo Mitch Nichols and David Williams for the upcoming A-League campaign.

Coach Mark Rudan described the former fringe Socceroos as significant additions to his rapidly forming squad.

Both are veterans of the A-League: Nichols making 219 appearances for 39 goals, while Williams has a track record of 148 appearances and 29 goals.

Rudan said his newest additions were "proven A-League competitors".

"As their statistics prove, 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.

"These two players have that – with over 350 A-League appearances between them we have signed some real A-League grunt."

Mitch Nichols

Nichols, 29, says the prospect of joining Rudan’s project was the opportunity he was looking for as his next career step.

Wellington is the fifth A-League club for Nichols who played for Perth Glory last season and left for "family reasons".

"Every time I came to Wellington I knew it was a special place with a special following and I’m looking forward to showing the fans what I can offer," Nichols said.

"I talked with Mark and wanted to be part of the project that Mark is building here in Wellington.

"I can’t wait to get in to the full swing of things, work hard and earn my place.’’

Williams, who also lined up for multiple A-League clubs, spent more than four seasons playing for Melbourne City (Heart) and for the past two years has been turning out for Haladás in the Hungarian top flight.

"Mark has a very clear vision of where the club can go this season," the 30-year-old said.

"(He's)’s an extremely driven coach and after talking to him about the project here I wanted to be a part of it.

"Having played in the A-League already I know I have what it takes to compete and win at the highest level.

"I’m looking forward to bringing that with me to Wellington."

Nichols signs on for two years, with Williams on a one year deal. Both are former youth internationals. Nichols has five Socceroos caps and Williams two.

The new recruits follow on from the signings of ex-English Premier League defender Steven Taylor and Polish international keeper Filip Kurto.