The Roar understands that Ljubo Milicevic will be offered a lifeline by his former club Newcastle Jets.
Milicevic, who is currently playing with his junior club Melbourne Knights in the Victorian Premier League, may re-sign with the Jets as early as tomorrow.
The former Socceroo centre-back fell out dramatically with the club in 2011, levelling accusations at teammates, staff and the A-League itself.
A move to boyhood club Hajduk Split in Croatia was cut short by injuries, and since returning to Melbourne Milicevic has been eager to impress in the VPL.
Since spending time abroad the big centre back has mellowed, and is looking to get back to his best. The Roar understands that Jets coach Gary van Egmond is in the market for an experienced centre back to complement young chargers Connor Chapman and Taylor Regan.
Milicevic’s return would come as one of the unlikeliest signings of the off-season, but at 32, Milicevic still has plenty to offer the Jets. During his time at Newcastle he formed a formidable partnership with Nikolai Topor-Stanley, and quickly became a hit with the fans.
Franko
Guest
GVE had no idea of this: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-08-09/jets-deny-talks-with-milicevic/4877086
Johnno
Guest
Other screw ups in OZ football and there have been many. I'd put in the list too Caz Patafa, boy did we have high hopes for him, future socceroo captain and future EPL tag, he was set to have as much potential as Aoran Lennon remember him. The next Kevin Phillips version of OZ football. Patafa underachieved big time. And also Ned Zelic and Paul Okon, in Kewell and Viduka's league both of them, probably better at full fitness and switched on, one thing or another there careers didn't reach there potential. Bruce Djite was all the rage too, and fell behind the 8-ball. Micheal Beachamp we had huge hopes for as well. Hiddink liked him a lot. Socceroo striker Soctt Mcdonald, who was gonna be our Henrick Larson or shevhcnko in goal, big soctish club at celtic and all. he underachieved in a socceroos shirt. As did Kevin Muscat, where was Muscat at Uruguay 2005 or destiny 06", aye. EPL Danny Tiatto another underachiever. Paul Agastino was a massive massive disappointment, if ever there was one. The big 1860 Muncih striker, was gonna spearhead us in 2002 and 2006 , he was bigger and stronger, than Mark Viduka and more naturally talented, but didn't shine. Damien Mori razor sharp on goal was another who was gonna take Europe by storm but failed. So there is a good list.
Griffo
Roar Guru
A bit of a summary of the departure: http://www.theherald.com.au/story/466707/end-of-the-road-for-ljubo/ Some former teammates in the side still, so hope the club is sure if they go ahead. Still, everyone deserves a second chance.
Griffo
Roar Guru
Neill was over there...maybe they got confused with all the Aussie accents hanging around the office :-)
Griffo
Roar Guru
Didn't hear about any disharmony with Bridges - I remember them both showing Beckham around town during LA Galaxy trip to Newie November 2010. Earlier that month was the bust-up with Kasey Wehrman...
Jukes
Guest
WTF I am in TOTAL SHOCK. Really, they signed him. Next thing you know they will sign Lucas Neill to a deal.
Steve
Guest
We have't made the finals for years - we have no integrity left. He's the best CB we could possibly sign, so I guess it depends if you want a quality team or a bunch of teenagers without egos. I know which one I'd prefer.
Ben of Phnom Penh
Roar Guru
I tend to agree. He may be a decent CB however the manner in which he left the club should raise red flags with the Jet's management. In my opinion taking him on would undermine the integrity of the club.
Greg_Newy
Guest
If true, it is very poor and unprofessional from the Jets. Surely wise heads will prevail and no deal will be made.
Franko
Guest
Have they seen him play? As in this decade?
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
Must be the day for career resurrections - David Carney has joined Timmy Cahill at New York Red Bulls. "Red Bulls Sign Australian International David Carney" Full story: http://www.newyorkredbulls.com/news/2013/08/red-bulls-sign-australian-international-david-carney
Brick Tamlin of the Pants Party
Guest
The Australian Joey Barton lol(without the tendency for violence).
realfootball
Guest
Absolutely.
realfootball
Guest
Great news. Terrific player with at least 2 good seasons left in him. Of all the screwed up careers in Aus football, only Carny tops Ljubo. Very glad he's back in the A League fold.
Michael_Newcastle
Guest
Wow. Ljubo is a high quality player. It's just the destabilisation he brings that is bad. How to reconcile the disharmony between him & MIchael Bridges? Is he really more mellow? If this rumour is true, let's hope he can be a bit less harsh on those around him (including us keyboard warriors).
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
Have always enjoyed watching Ljubo - almost the perfect footballer: * super technical skills (deft 1st touch, strong in the air, powerful shot, perfect tackling technique, holds the ball well, accurate passing at all ranges) * tactically astute * captained Australia at u20, u23; captained teams in Europe * physically intimidating - powerful in the air, impossible to move off the ball, quick & well-balanced for a big man .. His only deficiency - and, Ljubo admits this has robbed him of a stellar career - is above the shoulders. Too often, Ljubo has let his ego affect his career. If he gets his mind right, Ljubo will dominate the A-League this season.
MelbCro
Guest
I hope he doesn't go, has been great for Knights so far
Franko
Guest
I firmly believe this guy could have been our CB for the last 7-8 years if he had his thoughts together. Agree with Griffo above, I hope he has found his peace, he was a wonderful talent that still has something to offer the A-League. Heskey up front, Burns and Taggart on wings with Brilliante hopefully making a claim, it's certainly a potent force. If Ljubo can glue togther the back, they have a pretty good side. Bring on round 1!!!!
Griffo
Roar Guru
Ljubooooo! Almost deja vu when he first signed or us. Hope he really is at peace with himself now. He was a rock at the back, demanded professionalism from those around him, and can still see his influence in Topor-Stanley today. Just as long as he doesn't teach the young players the 'Ljubo Grapple' like he did to Kantarovski.
Bondy
Guest
He could have possibly been great if he realised football's a team game .It wouldn't be the weirdest signing in the A League.