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Macarthur FC’s preparations for the new A-League Men season are in disarray after the shock retirement of newly appointed captain Adam Federici – just days after his predecessor Mark Milligan suddenly quit his role as an assistant coach.
Federici was only confirmed as skipper less than a month ago after captaincy was vacated by Milligan, who wore the armband in their inaugural campaign and had agreed to become an assistant to head coach Ante Milicic, with a view to one day replacing him.
Adam Federici and Mark Milligan have left the Macarthur Bulls.Credit:Getty, Getty
But the 36-year-old goalkeeper, who played in the English Premier League for Reading and AFC Bournemouth before returning to Australia last year, told teammates on Friday he was calling time on his career, effective immediately, due to a knee injury.
“I have been so fortunate to have the career I’ve had,” he said.
“While I would’ve love to lead the Bulls this season, my body is in a different position and cannot continue. Through my journey I have played with wonderful coaches, players and clubs and I’m grateful that I got to finish my career on my home turf.”
There are, however, rumblings that all is not well behind the scenes at the south-west Sydney outfit, with Federici’s retirement coming just days after Milligan walked out on the club – less than a month out from the new A-League campaign.
The former Socceroos captain and four-time World Cup representative played 27 times for Macarthur last season as they finished sixth on the ladder and came to within one match of a grand final appearance in their A-League debut.
Widely seen as one of Australia’s best young coaching prospects, the Bulls even had an informal succession plan in place, in which he was to succeed Milicic as the club’s A-League coach either next season or the one after.
Milligan, who has signed on with ViacomCBS as a pundit for Network Ten and Paramount+’s coverage of the A-Leagues, has been contacted for comment, as has Macarthur FC. Sources say Milligan’s decision to quit was due to disagreements over the nature of his role and the club’s general football direction.