Footballer who started out as a KIT MAN retires after illustrious 18-year career as Ange Postecoglou leads tributes for veteran

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou was among those to congratulate A-League star Leigh Broxham on a distinguished career that will end next month with more than 450 league appearances for Melbourne Victory to his name.

The Victory announced on Tuesday that the 36-year-old Broxham will retire at the end of the season after 18 years of service to the club.

Broxham will leave the competition with the record for most A-League appearances, with a current total of 384. He started out as a kitman at the club before making his debut under Ernie Merrick in 2007.

Across all competitions, the former Victory captain has made 459 appearances for the Melbourne club.

However, after just three appearances in the A-League this season, all from the bench, Broxham said it was time to end his playing career.

The Melbourne Victory stalwart started out as a club kitman before getting his chance

‘The way the season has gone for me personally this year, it felt like the right time (to retire) … physically, mentally and how I can contribute to the club and also give opportunities to others.

“I have had moments and experiences in the game that will stay with me forever and I have made lifelong friends that only football can create and I will be forever grateful for that.

“This club has been part of more than half of my life and I would like to thank everyone from the players, coaches and staff who have been part of my journey through my career.

“Most importantly, I would like to thank my family, my wife Sam and children Sonny, Billie and Mila for being there for me every day.

“Through the good days and the bad, the highs and the lows, my family has always supported me and I can’t wait to be there for them in our next chapter as a family.”

With the victory, Broxham has won four A-League championships and three premierships, as well as two Australia Cups.

The versatile veteran also made one appearance for the Socceroos, in 2008 against Singapore.

Former Victory coaches Postecoglou, Kevin Muscat and Ernie Merrick all sent Broxham congratulatory video messages.

Ange Postecoglou led the tributes to his former player after announcing his decision

“You are a true Melbourne Victory legend and a credit to yourself, your family and all your loved ones,” Postecoglou said.

‘Enjoy your retirement and look back fondly on 18 years of great service.’

Muscat, who now coaches Chinese Super League club Shanghai Port, told Broxham he could look back on his career with ‘great pride’.

“The integrity you have shown during that period is what defines you most,” Muscat said.

‘Hopefully you can enjoy the next few games and then sail into the sunset and reflect on what a wonderful achievement it has been.’

Merrick, now Football Australia’s chief football officer, praised Broxham’s “great career”.

‘Good luck with your retirement. Hopefully you stay involved in the game,” Merrick said.

Victory chairman John Dovaston thanked Broxham for his ‘huge contribution’ to the club.

“Leigh will always be part of the Victory family, and we look forward to supporting him and his family as they embark on their next chapter.” Dovaston said.

Broxham poses with his young family after announcing his retirement on Tuesday

Victory director of football John Didulica described Broxham as ‘one of the great success stories of the A-League’.

“It is unlikely that we will ever see a player enjoy such longevity and success at one club, possibly anywhere in the world, and we must pause and celebrate this,” Didulica said.

“It is a testament to Leigh’s qualities as a footballer, coupled with his ruthlessness, which will see him leave the pitch as the league’s all-time record holder, multiple championship winner and the highest-ranked Socceroo.”

Victory director Caroline Carnegie said Broxham would ‘forever be part of the club’.

“We are all grateful for what Leigh has contributed to Melbourne Victory and the A-League in his eighteen consecutive seasons as a player, and what many more will be as a club legend, of course with Sam and the kids by his side,” Carnegie said.

“Leigh’s loyalty, professionalism and desire to win is all we ask of anyone who pulls on a Victory shirt.”