Mark Milligan has today been appointed as Melbourne Victory’s captain, following on from Adrian Leijer (2011-2013) and Kevin Muscat (2005-2010) as the club’s new on-pitch leader.
Mark Milligan has today been appointed as Melbourne Victory-s captain, following on from Adrian Leijer (2011-2013) and Kevin Muscat (2005-2010) as the club-s new on-pitch leader.
The 28-year-old Socceroo will take on the captaincy at Australia’s biggest football club, leading his team into, and throughout, the upcoming 2013/14 Hyundai A-League campaign.
Melbourne Victory Coach Ange Postecoglou said Milligan’s selection as captain is recognition of his outstanding qualities both on and off the pitch.
“Mark is an excellent leader and an integral part of this current Melbourne Victory squad,” Postecoglou said.
“Nobody can ever question his commitment to his teammates – whether it be wearing Melbourne Victory colours, or representing the Socceroos – Mark is someone who leads by example and certainly wears his heart on his sleeve.
“We have had a long, tough pre-season and now, with just 25 days to go until the Melbourne Derby, everybody is ready to get stuck into the season-proper and show what we can bring to the competition in 2013/14.”
Milligan also captained the Australian national side during their recent EAFF East Asian Cup campaign in Korea.
Milligan takes over captaincy duties from Adrian Leijer, who wore the armband for two seasons following inaugural skipper Kevin Muscat’s retirement in 2011.
The new Melbourne Victory captain was understandably delighted by the news.
“Melbourne Victory is a great club and being named captain is truly an honour for myself and any individual who gets to wear the armband,” Milligan said.
“It-s certainly going to be a highly competitive A-League season and I-m looking forward to leading the boys out on to the Etihad Stadium pitch in Round 1 against Heart.”
Melbourne Victory’s 2013/14 Hyundai A-League season will kick-off on Saturday, October 12 at 7:30pm.
Mark Milligan
D.O.B: August 4, 1985 (28-years-old)
Hyundai A-League Appearances: 85 (32 with Melbourne Victory)
Goals: 12 (10 with Melbourne Victory)
Socceroos Appearances: 23
Goals: 2
Picture; Frank Khamees/Sportsgraphy
