Former Socceroos skipper and Macarthur FC inaugural captain Mark Milligan will call time on a decorated playing career at the end of the A-League season and move into coaching.
A defensive midfielder who also excelled at centre-back, Milligan played club football in China, Japan, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Scotland and England but also enjoyed a stellar A-League career.
Milligan, 35, retired from international football in December 2019 after 80 caps for the Socceroos, including captaining his country on 19 occasions.
A member of Australia’s 2006, 2010, 2014 and 2018 World Cup squads, Milligan also played at three Asian Cups, including winning the 2015 tournament on home soil and was a member of the Olyroos team that played at the 2008 Olympics.
After his current A-League campaign ends, Milligan will join Ante Milicic’s coaching staff at Macarthur as an assistant from next season.
“I have been so fortunate to have the career I’ve had,” Milligan said.
“Through my journey I have been lucky enough to play with some wonderful players, coaches, clubs and in some fantastic parts of the world.
“So many people gave up so much for me to achieve my dreams of a being a professional footballer, none more so than my family.
“I have decided that now is the time for me to not only give back to them, but to the game that has given me so much.”
After starting his professional journey at Northern Spirit in 2002, Milligan went on to play more than 330 games across his career – with 164 so far in the A-League.
He won the inaugural A-League championship with Sydney FC in 2005-06 and had a guest period at Newcastle in 2008-09.
Milligan then captained Melbourne Victory to the 2014-15 premiership-championship double and won the Joe Marston Medal as the player of the match in that season’s grand final.
He joined Macarthur as the expansion club’s inaugural marquee player in July 2020, was named captain and has played all but one game (red card suspension) this season, scoring three goals – including the Bulls’ first in the A-League.
“I was extremely honoured when Mark agreed to join us at Macarthur,” coach Ante Milicic said.
“As a coach you want to attract quality and experienced leaders to your club. Mark’s faith and belief in the vision we have for this club is a testament to his character.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with Mark throughout the season as a player and captain of our club, and I’m excited to see him progress into the coaching realm.”
Johan
Guest
Bang average player. The fact that he played for, and even on occasion captained, the Socceroos is a national disgrace.
Grem
Roar Rookie
Melbourne Victory should have allowed him to go to Crystal Palace when that offer came. No other club in the A League would have denied a player that chance. He's been a great player for the A League and Australia. Good to see him staying involved in our game.
Micko
Roar Rookie
He trialled for Arsenal once.
Micko
Roar Rookie
I think he unsuccessfully trialled for Arsenal once?
Brainstrust
Roar Rookie
Milligan he wasted his career chasing money in Asia when he was in his prime. Milligan should have gone to Europe and he would have been in a top league in no time. Instead he went to China and they used him as a long throw exponent. When he got some exposure by 2015 he was already 30. Then he went to the Middle East and only got a go in Europe when he was well over the hill. Milligan was the best defender the Socceroos had from 2008 to 2013 but was hardly used . He was also a very good defensive midfielder from 2007-2012. This is one of the problems when a team performs coaches can be very slow to change it, Hiddink cleared the decks but then we have seen the 15 years since 2006 old Socceroos only being replaced when the team loses by a huge margin.
Winter A League is Awesome
Roar Rookie
He has had a great career. He always played hard in the soceroos.
TheSecretScout
Roar Guru
another league legend gone. surely dj brox has to announce his retirement at season end.