Mark Milligan says Macarthur FC can contend for the A-League title immediately
Big name recruit Mark Milligan believes Macarthur FC can hit the A-League as immediate title contenders. In his first interview, find out why he is joining the football newcomers.
Football
Don't miss out on the headlines from Football. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Star Macarthur FC signing Mark Milligan has declared the expansion side can come in immediate title contenders as the former Socceroos skipper locked in a four-year deal on Friday.
The experienced defensive midfield star is the fourth signing for the A-League newcomers, joining Tommy Oar and Adam Federici as players with Socceroos experience who are buying into coach Ante Milicic’s vision for the club.
Milligan’s deal includes two years as a player, with a further two years on the coaching staff, with the 34-year-old confident he has much to bring to the A-League in his twilight years.
However a return to the domestic Australian league, where he’s won titles with Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory, hadn’t been on the cards until his world was turned upside down by the COVID-19 pandemic – which cut short his time with English club Southend United.
The League One side were relegated in June during the COVID-19-enforced shutdown, and Milligan admits offers to continue overseas simply didn’t materialise.
“First and foremost it wasn’t really an option to come home,” Milligan told News Corp.
“I’m always speaking to people in Australia but my intention was not to come home. “COVID, unfortunately, created that situation as it did in many, many industries. But once we were informed the opportunities over there weren’t going to be what they were originally because of COVID, we decided wherever we go it has to be long-term.
“That’s what Macarthur came with. It was the most security for the longest amount of time. It’s no secret I’m towards the back end of my career, so that security for me was very important.”
With a coaching role in his future and a 15-year professional career to draw on, Milligan is excited to build the culture of Macarthur FC alongside Milicic - who was the driving force behind his decision to snub offers from rival clubs, including Western Sydney Wanderers.
“His relationship with Ante has gone a long way to ensuring this decision is one he’s comfortable with and that’s the reason he’s coming,” said Milligan’s agent, Buddy Farah.
“There’s no other reason for why Mark is coming other than Ante Milicic. He painted a clear picture for him.
“And that’s what a player like Mark actually needs – he wants to know he’s going to be in and around a successful environment and moving forward the future looks bright for himself and the club.
“It’s a statement to the A-League that a player comes back of his quality and history in the game. I think it’s a fantastic move for Macarthur and his coaching team.”
And, having played 33 of the 37 league games for Southend this season, he won’t be bringing tired legs to the A-League.
“I want to see the A-league, not just Macarthur, I want to see the A-League succeed,” he added.
“To be totally honest, whenever I’ve signed anywhere – whether I was 19 or 34 – I’ve been going somewhere with the view that I’ve had to prove myself. That’s no different now.
“From a physical point of view I didn’t want to look back in 10 years and regret not playing while I can.
“That was a big factor and obviously the security for me, being a foundation club, I want to stay and be a part of helping them develop into a strong A-League team.”
With four key names already on board and more signings lined up in the coming weeks, Macarthur has set a strong platform to enjoy early success.
And Milligan insists a title challenge won’t be beyond them.
MORE FOOTBALL
Former Sydney FC fan boy Joel King in chase for record Premiers Plate
A-League 2020: Sydney FC beat Wellington Phoenix 3-1
A-League: Western Sydney Wanderers hold psychological edge over Sydney FC in title race
“With the start that Campbelltown has made, (winning a title) is definitely the intention,” he said.
“If I didn’t overall believe that then I don’t think it would’ve be something we considered. Ante has been a part of helping set up that Wanderers success with (Tony) Popovic.
“Not only does he have that international experience and connections, he has the experience of setting up a club and knowing what’s involved to be successful early on.
“I have no doubt, and the vision Tezza (Milicic) came to me with, that is definitely the intention.
“Although it is early days and there’s not a great deal of signings I know which direction he’s heading in and how he wants to build the club. That’s very appealing to me.”
Originally published as Mark Milligan says Macarthur FC can contend for the A-League title immediately