JOE Ledley helped steer Scottish giants Celtic to two premierships, has played in the Champions League and achieved international success with Wales.
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Now the combative midfielder is hungry to lead a revival at the Newcastle Jets.
The 33-year-old has inked a three-month contract with the Jets, but is interested in joining the Carl Robinson revolution long-term.
"I have watched a few Newcastle games and they have played some great football ... playing out from the back and dominating possession, which is my sort of game," Ledley said. "That is what I like to do, get on the ball and play. From a football point of view it was a no-brainer.
"Hopefully we can get back to winning games. We are here to win football games. It is all about winning for me.
"You get that winning mentality when you join clubs like Celtic. It sticks with you then for the rest of your career. We were successful as well with the national team. You need to have that winning mentality in football and work as hard as you can."
Ledley has known Robinson "since I was a young kid".
"He looked after me [in the Wales] squad," Ledley revealed. "We have the same agent and the question was asked. It is obviously new for him. New league, new lifestyle. He said come and work under me. I couldn't turn it down really."
After a frustrating period at Derby County and a one-month stint at Charlton Athletic, Ledley initially wanted to move back to Wales with wife Ruby and children Layla, 9, Reeva, 4, and Hendricks, 2.
"I wanted to be closer to home and I probably couldn't get any further away," he said. "When I spoke to my family and friends, I didn't want to regret never playing abroad.
"I have played in the English and British leagues all my career. I wanted to try something new. Sometimes change is good.
"It is a great opportunity for me to come and get as many games as I can under my belt. I have come here to see how I get on, see if I enjoy it. Hopefully, I will be here next season."
Ledley takes the visa spot vacated on Tuesday by Kiwi international Matthew Ridenton, who agreed to mutually terminate the last three months of his contract.
"Matty has been a great pro and has done everything right by the club," Jets CEO Lawrie McKinna said. "Over the last few weeks with Craig Deans in charge and then Carl in charge, he hasn't been selected. In January, we gave Matty a letter of release. If he had any overseas offers, we would let him go free. He went and trialed at Reading. We spoke to Matty again last week about the situation. It is a mutual termination that suits both parties."
Ledley had been training with League Two club Newport County.
"I have been looking after myself," he said. "It is trying to adapt to the time difference and heat. It will take a few days. I don't want to come here and take a few weeks because the season will be over. It is about getting in and working as hard as I can and hopefully start as many games as I can."
Ledley's arrival follows the signing of Bernie Inbini on Monday and the additions of striker Roy O'Donovan and Olyroos left back Connor O'Toole.
