Looking like 'buckleys and none' for those that were hoping for Dukey to make a re-appearance on the Coast come January -
Duke lands in England after Japan exit:
Fringe Socceroo Mitchell Duke is aiming to join the growing Australian contingent in the UK having farewelled Japan after four seasons with Shimizu S-Pulse.
Granted a work visa through his British wife, the 27-year-old winger has long yearned for the chance to play in England, in particular, and is currently there testing the waters.
Though concrete offers are yet to materialise, Duke - now a free agent - is optimistic that an opportunity may arise.
“Now that I’ve left S-Pulse, and the January window is soon to open, it could be an interesting option,” said Duke.
“It’s an unpredictable near future for me but I’m excited about the change-up and a new challenge with a new team.
“Nothing is on the table yet, but ideally this is where I want to be. The perfect target is the Championship. But it’s a bit of a waiting game now to see what might pop up.
“It’s what is going to be best for me, my family and my football. I’m embracing the situation and ready to prove myself somewhere else - and I know I’ll do that wherever I go.”
Duke was a regular for S-Pulse, amassing over 100 appearances in all competitions in a country where many Australians have failed to flourish.
“I’m really proud of myself and what I achieved there,” he added. “I’ve seen quite a few Aussies come and go over the past four years, and I’m glad I was able to stick it out and do well.
“I got quite a few appearances under my belt and experiencing things like promotion and relegation helped me grow as a player and as a person.
“It’s a cut-throat league which is unpredictable and exciting, and also with great quality. Every game in the J1 is a big test, regardless of who you face.”
Duke’s previously secure place in the line-up came under threat last season, and as his contract wound down he informed the club mid-year of his desire to test himself elsewhere.
“Prior to the break I was coming off the bench when I was previously a starter,” he explained. “I told them I thought I’d get more game time elsewhere if they let me go.
“But they still saw me as an asset and wanted me for the second half of the season.
“I only made about one appearance off the bench in the last 10 games, but that’s just how it is in football.
“There are no hard feelings at all and there is massive respect mutually between myself and the club.
“I know my ability and hopefully I will have my future sorted in the next few weeks. Before Christmas would be nice.”
Duke was part of coach Graham Arnold’s first training camp in Turkey when he took charge.
He wasn’t named for the subsequent internationals against Kuwait, Korea Republic or Lebanon but hope springs eternal.
“The Socceroos have a really good system of monitoring players and have been asking what’s going on with me,” said Duke.
“They are interested in knowing what my club situation will be and it’s always good to know they are still considering me.
“I’ll welcome any chances again with them with open arms.”
