Canberra's Nikolai Topor-Stanley led Western Sydney Wanderers to an historic victory in the Asian Champions League and he'll use that experience to help lift Newcastle up the A-League ladder.
Topor-Stanley signed a two-year deal with the Jets on Wednesday, his second stint with the club, and will return to the A-League after a spell with Dubai-based Hatta Club.
![Newcastle signing Nikolai Topor-Stanley, left, will use his experience of working with Wanderers coach Tony Popovic to ...](http://web.archive.org./web/20170905214428im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/1/1/7/x/w/j/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gwqq56.png/1497418058247.jpg)
The 32-year-old played 81 games with the Jets from 2009-12, but has also had stints with Sydney FC, Perth Glory and the Wanderers.
He helped create history when he captained the Wanderers to the Asian Champions League title in 2014 - the only time an Australian club has won it.
Topor-Stanley said that time working with Wanderers coach Tony Popovic had taught him what was needed to be successful.
That's what the central defender will bring to the Jets.
"I learnt some very valuable lessons in my time under Tony Popovic, who anyone will tell you is the benchmark for physical and mental preparation," Topor-Stanley said.
"I'll take away life lessons from my time with him. I know that in this league, it's a physical league and you play in summer, you have to leave no stone unturned, especially in the pre-season, to really set yourself a platform for success.
"I've lived five year of that and I've seen first-hand what hard work and dedication bring to you. I've got no issues with passing on my experience and giving 100 per cent."
He still has ties to Newcastle from his first time with the club, but felt the A-League had improved since then and was "getting tougher and tougher every year".
Topor-Stanley said the chance to work with Jets coach Ernie Merrick was part of his decision to return to the Jets.
Merrick led Melbourne Victory to the A-League championship twice in his six seasons.
He quit as the Wellington Phoenix coach late last year, before signing with Newcastle last month.
"It was definitely a part of it. His track record speaks for itself. I know he's capable of getting the job done, but this is just the beginning," Topor-Stanley said.
"There's a long road ahead and I'm really looking forward to getting out on the training track and hopefully I can add the experience of what I've learnt here and abroad to bring winning times."
Merrick said Topor-Stanley would provide valuable experience and leadership as he looks to rebuild the Jets.
Newcastle finished on the bottom of the A-League ladder last season and they haven't played finals since the 2009-10 season.
"As I stated when I arrived at the Jets, we need to strengthen the squad and add experience, and Nikolai fits the job description 100 per cent," Merrick said.
"He is a skilful and uncompromising defender who will provide on-field leadership.
"The fact that Nikolai has played previously for the club is another bonus. He knows what to expect and what is needed at the Jets in order for us to make the finals."