Melbourne Heart FC has appointed Socceroo Simon Colosimo as its inaugural Captain for the Hyundai A-League 2010/11 season.
Melbourne Heart FC has appointed Socceroo Simon Colosimo as its inaugural Captain for the Hyundai A-League 2010/11 season.
The stylish central defender will lead Heart into its debut season as the head of a five-man leadership group, which also features Matt Thompson, John Aloisi, Josip Skoko and Young Socceroo Kliment Taseski.
Having amassed 26 appearances for the Socceroos, Colosimo brings a wealth of experience to the Captaincy following a career which has seen the 31-year-old play in Turkey, Malaysia and England with Manchester City.
A two-time Joe Marston Medallist, two-time Australian Champion and current President of the PFA, Colosimo has forged an enviable path both at home and abroad, and will provide Heart with an assured and accomplished on-field presence.
Head Coach John van ‘t Schip said Colosimo is the perfect candidate to wear the Captain-s armband as Heart-s captain.
“As a club, we are very lucky to have so many players with proven leadership qualities,” van ‘t Schip said. “Simon-s appointment as captain however works very well for the club as he is a Melbourne boy and he has shown great faith in Melbourne Heart by committing to us for the long term.
“As a player, he is a natural leader and clearly has great respect among Australia-s professional footballers.
“Through his work with the players association and already in his short time with us, Simon has demonstrated he cares for his team-mates. On the field, he is a proven winner who will be able to lead by example.”
Earning a combined 136 senior international appearances, Heart-s leadership group comprises some of the most experienced players to ply their trade in the Hyundai A-League as well as one of its emerging starlets.
Thompson (Newcastle Jets), Aloisi (Sydney FC) and Skoko (Hajduk Split) each spent time as captain of their previous club while the latter has also been honoured with the Socceroo captaincy on three occasions.
Van ‘t Schip said: “Each member of the leadership group will play a crucial role in the continued development of our football Club and assist in the learning process we are all undertaking.
“Josip and John will be able to provide the steadying hand only experience can bring, Matt proved last season how influential he can be in a leadership role and Kliment will be a valuable link between the younger group and the coaches.”
