Inspirational captain and club stalwart Kevin Muscat has committed his future to Melbourne Victory, signing a landmark deal to lead the club in its 2009/10 campaign and maintain a role beyond his playing years.
Inspirational captain and club stalwart Kevin Muscat has committed his future to Melbourne Victory, signing a landmark deal to lead the club in its 2009/10 campaign and maintain a role beyond his playing years.
Muscat, 35, will skipper Melbourne Victory in its Premiership and Championship defence and AFC Champions League 2010 assault in his testimonial year, which is a new concept introduced by Football Federation Australia.
Melbourne Victory will host a range of activities as part of Muscat-s testimonial year, commemorating a glittering career that includes 51 international caps for Australia and stints with clubs including Rangers, Wolverhampton and Millwall.
When his duties on the pitch are complete, Muscat, who is midway through obtaining his AFC “A” coaching licence, will continue with the club for a further two years, expanding his current role as Assistant Coach to full-time.
“We very pleased to secure the services of one of Australia-s most respected footballers for another year and ensure he remains at the club beyond his playing years,” Melbourne Victory Football Operations Manager Gary Cole said.
“This is a significant coup for Melbourne Victory and a fantastic show of support from Kevin as we defend our Premiership and Championship, and look forward to our second AFC Champions League adventure.”
Muscat added Melbourne Victory was the best place for him to learn his trade as a coach following his career as a player.
“The first conversation I had with Gary Cole, (Melbourne Victory CEO) Geoff Miles and (Melbourne Victory Chairman) Geoff Lord was that I want to be around this football club for many years to come and how do we go about making that happen,” Muscat said.
“The process took its time, only because it was an important decision for me.
“I want to be somewhere where I can learn and do my apprenticeship, and this is the football club, along with (Melbourne Victory Coach) Ernie Merrick, that I want to be at.”
Merrick hopes Muscat will continue on the pitch beyond 2009/10 and said he is looking forward to working with the three-time Victory Medallist over the coming years.
“We identified Kevin as a very good coach from early on and brought him into the coaching group two years ago,” Merrick said.
“He-s contracted as a player for at least another year, but I-m hoping he might go on for another year after that.
“He will be a very good coach down the track and is a huge asset to Melbourne Victory moving forward.”
Muscat and his teammates leave on Tuesday night for a two-match tour of China, where Melbourne Victory will face Chinese Super League sides Guangzhou Pharmaceutical and Tianjin Teda on Friday and Sunday respectively.
