He’s captained the Socceroos and was part of four World Cup campaigns, so it was no surprise that Mark Milligan got the nod to be the Macarthur FC inaugural captain.
The Bulls made the announcement today, along with news that Club Menangle will be the club’s captain sponsor.
Milligan, one of the most decorated Socceroos in Australian football history, will now will lead the A-League newcomers onto Campbelltown Stadium when they make their debut in late December.
Amassing 80 caps for the Socceroos, the eighth most in the nation’s history, Milligan featured in four World Cups, three Asian Cups, a Confederation Cup and an Olympic Games.
The quietly spoken midfielder said it was a special honour.
“I felt extremely humbled when Ante spoke to me about being captain.
“Captaining my country was a massive honour and something that will always stay with me, but this is very special. To be appointed captain of a brand new A-League club is a great privilege,” Milligan said.
Macarthur FC head coach Ante Milicic says Milligan is a natural leader.
“We have seen what he achieved with the Socceroos,’’ he said.
“His experience and knowledge of what is required to be successful drives the standards amongst the playing group.
“He leads with his actions and we are privileged to have him be our inaugural captain.”
Milicic said the Bulls skipper will have plenty of support from the senior playing group, which includes the likes of fellow Socceroos Adam Federici, Tommy Oar and Ivan Franjic.
On the sponsorship front, Club Menangle CEO Bruce Christison was delighted in the partnership with the Bulls.
“To be associated with a player of Mark’s calibre is magnificent. It is a great honour for Club Menangle to be the sponsor of the clubs’ inaugural captain,’’ Mr Christison said.
“The partnership with the region’s newest A-League team is a great fit.
“Club Menangle is known as the home to Australia’s fastest harness racing track, and now with the addition of the newly launched Menangle Country Club, it’ll be great to see both organisations grow with the community.”
