RYAN Kitto’s A-League quest has come full circle with a cherished Hindmarsh homecoming two years after being cut by Adelaide United.

Kitto, 21, returns after a breakthrough stint with Newcastle Jets. Fellow South Australian marksman Mark Marino has also arrived at Coopers Stadium after two years with Melbourne City.

“I have learnt a lot about myself as a footballer and a person. I have been able to develop and progress. It has been a good journey but I am glad to be home,” Kitto told The Advertiser.

Kitto was released by Adelaide after managing two games in 2013-14 but a 17-goal premier league stint with West Torrens Birkalla led to a mid-season acquisition last November by Newcastle Jets.

“Obviously I would have liked things to work out and been with Adelaide from the start but that is football and you understand those things. It allowed me to go to Newcastle, get game time and grow in experience,” said 2015 Sergio Melta medallist Kitto who can play any role in the final third.

“I was lucky working under a coach in Steve De Giovanniello at Birkalla who gave me a free role and allowed me to express myself which was fantastic, score goals and get noticed.”

Newcastle Jets coach Scott Miller took a punt on Kitto when targeting a replacement for injured Labinot Haliti. Kitto repaid Miller’s faith, slotting two goals in 18 games while becoming a Jets regular. Danish international Morten Nordstrand would prove a priceless on-field mentor.

“The coaches Scott Miller and John Paul de Marigny were very important and senior players like Morten helped a lot on and off the field,” said Kitto.

“I thought I finished the season quite strong and that’s when I really started to believe I belonged at this level. I was able to play my game so hopefully I can take that into the coming season.”

Kitto said it would be a privilege to work under manager Guillermo Amor as A-League champion Adelaide pursued Asian Champions League, FFA Cup and championship success.

“It’s time to knuckle down,” Kitto said.

Meanwhile, The Advertiser understands gun stopper Dylan McGowan, 24, will remain with United for a third season.

McGowan will marry Scottish partner Rebecca in Edinburgh next month but the former Hearts favourite will have to resist the lure of Europe to remain in Adelaide.

Adelaide must replace Craig Goodwin, who has moved to Sparta Rotterdam, Melbourne City bound flyer Bruce Kamau and Spanish super sub Pablo Sanchez.

Originally published as Kitto Jets back to Hindmarsh