Kevin Muscat to announce retirement
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Suspended Melbourne Victory captain Kevin Muscat is set to confirm on Wednesday he will end his career after this year’s Asian Champions League (ACL).
It means the 37-year-old’s final A-League match will have been last month’s infamous clash with Melbourne Heart, in which he was sent off for a brutal tackle on Heart’s Adrian Zahra.
The eight-match suspension handed out for that incident, which ended Zahra’s season, also ended any chance Muscat would play again this season, even if Victory reach the grand final.
But the two-time A-League championship skipper has the chance to at least end his career on better terms, as he attempts to guide Victory out of the ACL group stage for the first time in three attempts, with the Asian competition to start on March 1.
Muscat, who has captained Victory from the A-League’s 2005-06 inaugural season, is the only player to have been continuously with the club from the start.
Current strikers Archie Thompson and Danny Allsopp and defender Adrian Leijer were all foundation players with the club, but have spent stints overseas.
Muscat has played 122 A-League matches and won the Victory Medal as the club’s best player three times, including sharing it with Allsopp in both of their championship seasons.
The tough and aggressive, but skilful defender also represented the Socceroos 51 times over 12 years.
Before joining Victory, he spent a decade playing club football overseas, including an English Premier League stint with Crystal Palace, as well as captaining second-tier club Millwall to the 2004 FA Cup final, although he missed that match with injury.
Muscat, who has already been sharing his playing duties with a Victory assistant coaching role, is expected to become a fulltime assistant next season.
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The Crowd Says (37) | Page 1 of Comments
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- A-League, Kevin Muscat, Melbourne Victory
February 15th 2011 @ 11:30am
SuperThompson said | February 15th 2011 @ 11:30am | Report comment
Muscat better hope the ACL puts him in a better light so that people have positive memory of the big, angry, man.
February 15th 2011 @ 12:25pm
Harry the Jumper said | February 15th 2011 @ 12:25pm | Report comment
best move he has done
February 15th 2011 @ 1:49pm
Fussball ist unser leben said | February 15th 2011 @ 1:49pm | Report comment
Now … wouldn’t it be the perfect way to end his career to see Muskie hold the ACL Trophy aloft at Etihad Stadium on Friday, 4 November 2011!
February 16th 2011 @ 5:14am
Bill Baxter said | February 16th 2011 @ 5:14am | Report comment
No!!!!!!!!!
February 15th 2011 @ 6:48pm
David V. said | February 15th 2011 @ 6:48pm | Report comment
Finally! Solace at least for those whose careers he damaged over the years, at least.
February 16th 2011 @ 7:57am
Mahony said | February 16th 2011 @ 7:57am | Report comment
C’ya big man. Glad you are staying on to instill the culture long-term. Melbourne is a football club and nothing else willl suffice. Thanks for the opportunity to say farwell on the pitch and welcome off it! Haters will be haters, but in the last few days we have started to see some ballance restored to the coverage of a higly decorated footballer who is deeply popular with the fans of all the shirts he has donned over a 22 year career as a pro. The A-Leagues first “club legend” without a doubt – not one artificialy created in a PR blitz in a desperate search to create history where none exists…..
February 16th 2011 @ 8:49am
Fussball ist unser leben said | February 16th 2011 @ 8:49am | Report comment
Would be interested to hear what Muscat-haters thought of the 2-footed tackle by AC Milan & French footballer, Mathieu Flamini today.
Flamini only received a yellow for the tackle that resulted in Spurs player, Vedran Corluka ending the game on the sidelines on crutches. The tackle is exactly the sort of incident that causes broken legs and, after the game, Famini went to the Tottenham locker room to check on Corluka’s condition and to apologise.
I wonder if those alleged “football purists”, who wanted to lynch Muscat for his tackle on Zahra, will be as vocal in showing their displeasure in relation to this violent incident?
And, after the match, AC Milan midfielder and 2006 Italian WC winner, Gennaro Gattuso, was involved in an altercation with Spurs’ assistant coach, Joe Jordan in an incident that is sure to be investigated by UEFA. Gattuso appears to head-butt Jordan.
Imagine the outrage from the alleged “football purists” if Muskie had been involved in such an unsavoury incident.
February 16th 2011 @ 8:53am
Rellum said | February 16th 2011 @ 8:53am | Report comment
He should have been sent off.
I am more interested in Fuss’s reaction to the news that Mate might be heading to the heart.
February 16th 2011 @ 9:02am
Fussball ist unser leben said | February 16th 2011 @ 9:02am | Report comment
In 6 seasons, no player has ever left MVFC for another HAL club.
If players have gone, it’s because they weren’t offered a new contract and, thus far, MVFC has been spot on with their analysis of future potential – none of the players, who were discarded and picked up by another club, have achieved anything at any other HAL club.
Having said that, I would hate to lose Dugandzic, since I reckon he could be a potential superstar.
But, from what I’ve seen of Heart, their style of play won’t suit Dugandzic – the Heart build up is too slow and laboured; Dugandzic thrives on rapid passing and quick-breaking counter-attacking moves.
Would Dugandzic be as effective without players of the ilk of Carlos, Marvin, Archie & Robbie K providing decoy runs, supporting runs and inch-perfect passes? I don’t see any such players at the Heart.
Christian Sarkies & Kaz Patafta are as technically-gifted as Dugandzic … and, boy, aren’t MVFC just crying about losing those two youth prodigies – haven’t they set the HAL on fire since they left MVFC!
PS: Rellum … no lynching or banning for life for Flamini, like you wanted for Muscat? And, Muscat actually got sent off for his indiscretion.
February 16th 2011 @ 9:33am
Rellum said | February 16th 2011 @ 9:33am | Report comment
I never said asked for Muscat to be banned for life. If you can’t see the difference between those two tackles then there is nothing I can do to help you Fuss.
Oh and the Heart has two ex Victory players on their books. One has spent most of the season recovering from injury and the other forced his way into the side past a socceroo as well as getting nominated for the young player of the year award. That seems like being a success for a player in their first season post Victory. And Mate hasn’t been dumped by the Victory, he may leave anyway though.
February 16th 2011 @ 10:01am
Fussball ist unser leben said | February 16th 2011 @ 10:01am | Report comment
Behich cost MVFC a back-to-back win in the 09/10 HAL Grand Final … what was he thinking?
In Derby 1, Behich had an outstanding game for 73 minutes … then he got sent off! He got absolutely smashed in Derby 2 … and, I don’t recall his performance in Derby 3.
Behich certainly wouldn’t be a regular starter for MVFC – he’s certainly not in our best eleven, but it’s good to know Heart finds value in our rejects!
February 16th 2011 @ 12:44pm
Rellum said | February 16th 2011 @ 12:44pm | Report comment
February 16th 2011 @ 11:49am
Chook said | February 16th 2011 @ 11:49am | Report comment
Eugene Galeković
Daniel Piorkowski – vic gave him a 2 year contract but went to gold coast
Michael Thwaite
Adrian Caceres – bought from the Vic to CCM for champions league
from memory -
February 16th 2011 @ 12:07pm
Fussball ist unser leben said | February 16th 2011 @ 12:07pm | Report comment
1. Eugene left b/c he was not the 1st choice keeper.
2. Caceres wasn’t going to be offered a new contract.
3. Thwaite was never signed by MVFC – he was playing for us “on loan” from his Norwegian club, SK Brann. So, he transferred to GCU from Brann NOT MVFC.
4. Piorkowski was excellent for MVFC but, sadly, injured his knee during the 06/07 double-winning season.
MVFC offered him a new contract but decided to try his options overseas. Obviously, things didn’t work out o/s and he returned to the Jets (08) and GCU (09- ..). He’s played 2 games in 2 seasons with GCU.
Source: http://www.theage.com.au/news/soccer/piorkowski-quits-victory-for-europe/2008/05/14/1210764953162.html
February 16th 2011 @ 9:17am
David V. said | February 16th 2011 @ 9:17am | Report comment
“Famini went to the Tottenham locker room to check on Corluka’s condition and to apologise.”
Therein lies the difference. A subtle but massively important difference. Muscat showed little remorse if any after what he had dished out to Bellamy, Holmes, Dugarry and a few others.
February 16th 2011 @ 9:31am
Fussball ist unser leben said | February 16th 2011 @ 9:31am | Report comment
I wanted to expose the hypocrisy, so David V. thank you for being so obliging.
February 16th 2011 @ 9:42am
David V. said | February 16th 2011 @ 9:42am | Report comment
What hypocrisy. I pointed out an important difference- look at Muscat’s reaction to being sent off for Zahra’s tackle and you will see a world of difference.
The courts clearly agree too when one of his victims was awarded a payout.
February 16th 2011 @ 11:58am
Chook said | February 16th 2011 @ 11:58am | Report comment
Its really is more than one bad tackle, time after time Muscat is involved with cheap shots, reckless tackles etc. And attitude to tackled the heart player, the whilstle blew and got up and gave a mouthful to the ref.
February 16th 2011 @ 9:30am
punter said | February 16th 2011 @ 9:30am | Report comment
I do recall MusCAT puched a BR official after the game & got off scott free.
He’s had so many unsavouty incidents. Goodbye Muskie & good riddance.
February 16th 2011 @ 2:46pm
Sweeper said | February 16th 2011 @ 2:46pm | Report comment
Mate I’ve seen stronger punches at children’s parties.
February 16th 2011 @ 1:02pm
Larry said | February 16th 2011 @ 1:02pm | Report comment
At last this animal has gone.It was not the A-League it was Muskat League.No one could argue with K.Muscat including FFA and Referees.This animal damaged football player in England ,when Muscat played there.He terrible injured Henrique from Brisbane Roar,the Leakey from Adelaide United and finally he killed young player from Melbourne Heart.
But now every one is happy Kevin Muscat gone from A-league and I hope forever.
February 16th 2011 @ 1:17pm
Fussball ist unser leben said | February 16th 2011 @ 1:17pm | Report comment
Muscat did not injure Mathew Leckie – I was at the game and Muscat was nowhere near the incident.
Leckie came into the game with a badly injured knee that was heavily strapped. Surat Surkha, who is regarded by team-mates, opponents and fans as one of the most placid and gentlemanly footballers, laid the tackle that aggravated Leckie’s injury further.
February 16th 2011 @ 1:05pm
chook said | February 16th 2011 @ 1:05pm | Report comment
Fussball ist unser leben
Stop trying to defend him. I generally respect most of your comment but trying to defend Muscat is way out of line.
February 16th 2011 @ 3:01pm
Sweeper said | February 16th 2011 @ 3:01pm | Report comment
Yeah how dare he defend his team’s captain.
February 16th 2011 @ 5:19pm
David V. said | February 16th 2011 @ 5:19pm | Report comment
Truly great captains never have to be defended. Bobby Moore, Brian Labone, Stuart Pearce – all represented honourable sportsmanship.
We’ve had defenders at Everton such as Labone, John Hurst, Mick Lyons (never the most gifted but a wholehearted trier), Kevin Ratcliffe, Derek Mountfield, Dave Watson- NONE of those ever had to be reckless. Because they knew what standard was expected of club and its fans.
February 16th 2011 @ 5:31pm
Fussball ist unser leben said | February 16th 2011 @ 5:31pm | Report comment
The most successful captain in the history of the EPL (note I said EPL) is Roy Keane.
SAF and Man United fans had to constantly defend Keano against scathing criticism from the media, opponents and opposition fans … now where have I heard that before??
February 16th 2011 @ 6:30pm
David V. said | February 16th 2011 @ 6:30pm | Report comment
Notice that Roy Keane only developed this reputation at Manchester United. Because at Nottingham Forest, Brian Clough would NEVER have stood for the crap he could get away with at OT.
And that’s because Brian Clough believed in playing football the right way and playing within the rules of the game.
February 16th 2011 @ 3:31pm
Mahony said | February 16th 2011 @ 3:31pm | Report comment
Get over yourself – all of here in Melbourne defend him for three reasons (1) The stats dont support the basis contention about Kevin from detractors (2) We can seperate genuine dissapointment in Kevin from the ranting of fans whos’ teams he has been beating for years and (3) thats what we do down here – look after our captain. History will look after him as his contribution is ‘head and shoulders’ above 99.9% of Australian footballers……. not to mention the keyboard warriors in this place.
February 16th 2011 @ 5:03pm
David V. said | February 16th 2011 @ 5:03pm | Report comment
Ray Baartz, Jimmy Mackay, Adrian Alston, Oscar Crino, Mark Bosnich, Tim Cahill, Marco Bresciano, Mark Viduka, John Aloisi… those are the sort of people who have earned a place in Australian football history and command respect. Kevin Muscat on the other hand has never commanded the same respect despite his lengthy career at club and international level. In fact, if you ask Wolves fans, his sending off one year was seen as costing them a play-off place.
February 16th 2011 @ 5:26pm
Fussball ist unser leben said | February 16th 2011 @ 5:26pm | Report comment
How about you ask Bozza, Timmy, Marco, Dukes & Johnny what they think of Muskie.
I reckon you’ll be surprised by their answer. And, remember, these guys would know Muskie – as a person AND as a player – better than you or I.
I’ve only met Muskie a couple to times socially and he’s a perfect gentleman and scholar of the game – he is going to make a wonderful manager.
February 16th 2011 @ 6:34pm
David V. said | February 16th 2011 @ 6:34pm | Report comment
Let us see the impact he had on his victims:
Craig Bellamy- injury derailed Norwich’s promotion bid, leading to the demise of Bruce Rioch.
Matty Holmes- amputation was a possibility after Muscat’s horror tackle. Had a fair journeyman career prior, but never recovered from that injury. At least he’s now coaching.
Christophe Dugarry- fair to say his career went rapidly downhill after then. Retired in 2005.
Adrian Zahra- will he be the same after this?
Those facts are damning but you keep up the defence of the guy.
February 16th 2011 @ 7:02pm
Fussball ist unser leben said | February 16th 2011 @ 7:02pm | Report comment
… in relation to Christophe Dugarry – you are making FALSE claims, so I won’t even bother with the other assertions.
Dugarry was injured on 11/11/2001 and the French started crying about the tackle potentially ending Dugarry’s career.
But THE FACTs tell us Dugarry played football at the highest level after the injury: …
1. Dugarry was picked to represent France in the 2002 FIFA WC. France was the reigning champion of the World.
a) On 31/05/2002 – 6 months after his alleged career-ending injury, Dugarry came on as a 2nd half substitute in France’s opening match of the 2002 FIFA WC. France were 1-0 down and desperate to get back in the game.
b) a week later Dugarry again came on very late in France’s 2nd WC match against Uruguay, which ended 0-0
c) On 11-06-02, Dugarry was in the starting 11 for France’s crunch game against Denmark – France simply had to win to get through the Group stage … they didn’t
2. Dugarry transferred to Birmingham in the EPL and scored 5 goals in 5 games …
Not bad for a guy whose career apparently “went downhill” after Muskie’s tackle.
PS: I heard a rumour … a guy fitting Muskie’s description was seen lurking around the grassy knoll in Dallas, Texas around 12:30 p.m. (Dallas time) on 22 November 1963 … you may want to check that out, too?
February 16th 2011 @ 7:22pm
David V. said | February 16th 2011 @ 7:22pm | Report comment
Of course you won’t bother with those “other assertions” because you’re too afraid of acknowledging the damage he has done. Intellectual dishonesty?
February 17th 2011 @ 11:19am
Chook said | February 17th 2011 @ 11:19am | Report comment
Look Im sure he is a gentleman but when the pressures on he cracks.
Look at you tube. you be the judge.
February 17th 2011 @ 11:34am
Rob McLean said | February 17th 2011 @ 11:34am | Report comment
Bozza expressed disappointment at Muskies tackle….
Sure he think he’s a great bloke and a wonderful player but he was verrrrrry outspoken about THAT tackle.
February 17th 2011 @ 11:16am
Chook said | February 17th 2011 @ 11:16am | Report comment
Its a pity he wont look after his club then…
8 weeks and not in the final with out you captaio. Great leadership.
February 16th 2011 @ 10:38pm
Ben of Phnom Penh said | February 16th 2011 @ 10:38pm | Report comment
He’s gone, that’s the end of it. He was a player with great leadership abilities however one who let his competitiveness slide into gamesmanship and borderline thuggery.
The push against the Heart defensive wall in the same game he received the red best illustrates the player he’d become. He was always a player that worked the margins for an advantage and as he became older he felt the need to work those margins harder. The niggling and the agression aimed at the rules and the refs and less at the ball slowly eroded the patience of the wider sporting public. It is no coincidence that his detractors on this site come from all the A-Leagues clubs, including Victory, but his defenders from one club alone.
As long as he doesn’t bring this aspect of his playing career into his coaching I’m sure he’ll make a very good coach (at least as a motivator, as a tactician we will only find out once he has full reins at a club).
I hope for his sake that he has a good ACL and finishes it with a clean slate. He has the technical ability to do just that; it all comes down to the way he wants to leave the game as it presents his last chance as a player to leave on his own terms.