Vicelich retires
Peoples Republik of Aucklandia
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Ivan Vicelich has announced his retirement from international football effective immediately.
Vicelich, who was capped 63 times for the All Whites, told New Zealand coach Ricki Herbert of his decision last week.
"It's never an easy thing to walk away from the All Whites jersey but I feel the time is right," Vicelich, 31, said.
Vicelich's career has seen him play for Waitakere City, Central United, the Football Kingz, Roda JC and most recently fellow Dutch side RKC Waalwijk.
Vicelich and his wife Marisa recently became parents.
After eight years of playing more than 200 league games in Europe they wanted to return to New Zealand to raise three-month-old Luka.
"I loved my time in Europe. Every kid dreams of playing professionally in Europe and I have been able to live that dream. But now it's time to be with my family."
Vicelich intends continuing to play domestically at New Zealand Football Championship level.
"I like the idea of been able to work with and help in developing kids."
A factor behind Vicelich's announcing his retirement now is to provide younger All Whites with an opportunity for game time.
By pulling out now he hopes other players can get experience for the national team.
Vicelich's career highlights include been involved in New Zealand's first win on European soil, a 3-1 success against Georgia and playing at two Confederation Cups - in Mexico in 1999 and in France in 2003.
He debuted for the All Whites against the Danish under-23 side in 1995, with his last outing against Vanuatu in 2007.
Peoples Republik of Aucklandia
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He'll look good in an Auckland City shirt for sure!
Peoples Republik of Aucklandia
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Is that who he is playing for, or wishful thinking?
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His family are part of Central and ACFC - his Dad is on the committee - seems like a no brainer to me
Peoples Republik of Aucklandia
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Unless the phoenix have a look put him in blue and white
PROAK, did you hear the rumours that he had told Ricki that he wanted to finish his career at the Phoenix? Doing the rounds at the start of this season...
Funny time to call it quits, we're basically two matches away from the World Cup!
PROAK, did you hear the rumours that he had told Ricki that he wanted to finish his career at the Phoenix? Doing the rounds at the start of this season...
Funny time to call it quits, we're basically two matches away from the World Cup!
Normo's coming home
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Yeah very strange timing - I heard those rumours too - I guess we're pretty sorted in the DM/CB positions and his family is in Auckland - maybe that was the deciding factor.
Peoples Republik of Aucklandia
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that's a real blow to our world cup chances.
did he not get offered a new contract at RKC? or anywhere else for that matter? plenty of pros have kids?!
i smell a rat. something to do with being overlooked for the olympics?
over the last few years we have had a lot of all whites retire. what's oing on?
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Unless the phoenix have a look put him in blue and white
PROAK, did you hear the rumours that he had told Ricki that he wanted to finish his career at the Phoenix? Doing the rounds at the start of this season...
Funny time to call it quits, we're basically two matches away from the World Cup!
PROAK, did you hear the rumours that he had told Ricki that he wanted to finish his career at the Phoenix? Doing the rounds at the start of this season...
Funny time to call it quits, we're basically two matches away from the World Cup!
Yes it seem very strange being two matches away but then South Africa is in a couple of years time.
I sincerely hope that he consider an Phoenix offer for a couple of years in the A-league. He would do more for NZ football and inspiring Kiwi kids if he helps the Phoenix club. His class may mean a Marquee status and a good payout for his family.
I think I heard about him finishing at the Phoenix but that was more wishful rumour, I thought.
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Don't get me wrong, I love Ivan, but someone who has played 21 games in two seasons for a side that spent half of that in the dutch second division is not a marquee quality signing...
...be good to see him at the Phoenix but he's no marquee.
...be good to see him at the Phoenix but he's no marquee.
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Fair enough, but then maybe that why his club spent in the 2nd division because he didn't get much game. I don't really know much about it because it's a bit difficult to follow the dutch language on some of the websites and I don't live in Auckland.
Seriously only 21 games? What happened?
Seriously only 21 games? What happened?
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Let's hope he does well this season in the NZFC, and next season, whoever's no good in our defence can make way for Ivan.
And he could definitely pass as a marquee. The requirement is that they are a reasonably well-known player (to stop a team who's reached their cap putting any random they need in their squad down as marquee), and Ivan is well-known. He would probably have been in the Olympic squad if Nelsen or Elliot or Killen was unavailable.
loyalgunner2008-08-16 23:26:19
And he could definitely pass as a marquee. The requirement is that they are a reasonably well-known player (to stop a team who's reached their cap putting any random they need in their squad down as marquee), and Ivan is well-known. He would probably have been in the Olympic squad if Nelsen or Elliot or Killen was unavailable.
loyalgunner2008-08-16 23:26:19
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TBH, even if he's good he'd be 33 as next season starts and it seems to me the Phoenix aren't looking to sign players in that age bracket anymore.
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I think that he tried to sign but the stumbling block was him wanting to live in Auckland and do his coaching badges and travel to Wellington everyday for training. Just wasn't feasable.
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you don't think this maybe another herbert fallout
Supporter world's best and worst football teams: Waikato/WaiBop, Kingz, Knights, Phoenix, The Argyle, The Whites & the All Whites
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Heck nightz, you would believe that wouldn't you?
Herbert was the first to be called on the decision and there was no hint of any disgreement during the WCQ. I just think he just had enough football at the top. I don't think he really had a decent break for a long time.
Nah, surely timing is factored with family time with his three month kid (being born overseas and not having access to be raised in the kiwi lifestyle [don't want language development problems maybe]), being aged 31 and a bit tired of traveling, returning home to refresh at a easier football level. Sounds like he is a bit homesick, rather than a fallout and can't be bother doing the international thingee at the moment. Herbert will leave him alone until his appetite is wet again for the world cup later on.
Honestly, I give him a season to cope balancing a job and football again and then he may rethinking a last stint for full time professional with the phoenix for a couple of seasons. The NZFC wouldn't be challenging enough for him. he is still 31 and should really have a few more years yet. He doesn't have injury problems has he? All he really needs is a football break, IMHO.
If we do get him in the season next with Porter, I say we be in a very happy situation for a couple of years.
Remember Craig Moore declaring his intention to return to the Socceroos team he walked away 5 months previously in July. I think the same is happening here with Vicelich as well.
This is what Craig Moore was saying about the changes in him;
�I've received a lot of letters and people are always asking me if I plan a comeback and I must confess watching the Euros (won thrillingly by Spain) has got me thinking again,�
�I haven't felt fitter in the past five years and I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought about playing again for my country. "
�I'm not saying I'll be at the World Cup, should we qualify, it's far too early to get into anything like that but my memories of captaining Australia in 2006 (where he also scored against Croatia) are still fresh,� Moore added.
�Playing at that level is what the game is all about.�
Here's hoping that it's the same for Vicelich. I always felt in the WCQ game against Vanautu, that although he was clearly quality at that international game, he looked a bit tired for a full time professional. I sort of expected him to be more stellar than that performance and have remember him to play better previously. I am sure it was not just my imagination. Maybe I had high hopes for him.
I would have liked him to return home so he could concentrate performing his best for the AWs in a less demanding competitive environment for a couple of years after not being totally free to do so over the years. It would be a year later and he would still able walk into the AWs I reckon.
Anyway, it's my personal prediction. I think that he loves the competitive side too much to not have a rethink. He's not like Hickey, he's one of our best AW's of recent times and I think that people have to remind him of that.
Herbert was the first to be called on the decision and there was no hint of any disgreement during the WCQ. I just think he just had enough football at the top. I don't think he really had a decent break for a long time.
Nah, surely timing is factored with family time with his three month kid (being born overseas and not having access to be raised in the kiwi lifestyle [don't want language development problems maybe]), being aged 31 and a bit tired of traveling, returning home to refresh at a easier football level. Sounds like he is a bit homesick, rather than a fallout and can't be bother doing the international thingee at the moment. Herbert will leave him alone until his appetite is wet again for the world cup later on.
Honestly, I give him a season to cope balancing a job and football again and then he may rethinking a last stint for full time professional with the phoenix for a couple of seasons. The NZFC wouldn't be challenging enough for him. he is still 31 and should really have a few more years yet. He doesn't have injury problems has he? All he really needs is a football break, IMHO.
If we do get him in the season next with Porter, I say we be in a very happy situation for a couple of years.
Remember Craig Moore declaring his intention to return to the Socceroos team he walked away 5 months previously in July. I think the same is happening here with Vicelich as well.
This is what Craig Moore was saying about the changes in him;
�I've received a lot of letters and people are always asking me if I plan a comeback and I must confess watching the Euros (won thrillingly by Spain) has got me thinking again,�
�I haven't felt fitter in the past five years and I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought about playing again for my country. "
�I'm not saying I'll be at the World Cup, should we qualify, it's far too early to get into anything like that but my memories of captaining Australia in 2006 (where he also scored against Croatia) are still fresh,� Moore added.
�Playing at that level is what the game is all about.�
Here's hoping that it's the same for Vicelich. I always felt in the WCQ game against Vanautu, that although he was clearly quality at that international game, he looked a bit tired for a full time professional. I sort of expected him to be more stellar than that performance and have remember him to play better previously. I am sure it was not just my imagination. Maybe I had high hopes for him.
I would have liked him to return home so he could concentrate performing his best for the AWs in a less demanding competitive environment for a couple of years after not being totally free to do so over the years. It would be a year later and he would still able walk into the AWs I reckon.
Anyway, it's my personal prediction. I think that he loves the competitive side too much to not have a rethink. He's not like Hickey, he's one of our best AW's of recent times and I think that people have to remind him of that.
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Too old now, 21 games in 2 years aint good enoughjames dean2008-08-19 10:24:02
Normo's coming home
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To old now? yeah i mean he must be to old thats why the phoenix have Johnson on their books at 34...
Ivan is a quality player. You dont play in the dutch leagues for 7 years if your a mug.Plus his team were 1 games away from promotion last season so It was hard to break into the team.
The fact of the matter here is Ivan should have
1. Been In the Olympic team WAY ahead of a guy like Simon Elliot who has not played any football for 2 years. But a wellington boy
2. Riki Promised Ivan a phoenix contract and then turned his back on Ivan. Mind you thats what ricki does. He is a snake and only cares about himself
I hope we do see Ivan playing Nat league again as it will give that league a good boost.
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To old now? yeah i mean he must be to old thats why the phoenix have Johnson on their books at 34...
Ivan is a quality player. You dont play in the dutch leagues for 7 years if your a mug.Plus his team were 1 games away from promotion last season so It was hard to break into the team.
The fact of the matter here is Ivan should have
1. Been In the Olympic team WAY ahead of a guy like Simon Elliot who has not played any football for 2 years. But a wellington boy
2. Riki Promised Ivan a phoenix contract and then turned his back on Ivan. Mind you thats what ricki does. He is a snake and only cares about himself
I hope we do see Ivan playing Nat league again as it will give that league a good boost.
can't just go making unsubstantiated comments like that without some kind of explanation. How do you know that was the situation? Welcome to the forums by the way...
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Thanks
Well because i know Ivan . I dont want to cause to much crap on here But he was unhappy with not being selected for the Olympic team. Also he was PROMISED a contract from RIk for this years Phoenix.. FACT
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Well if that is the case, then I hope he just get the business done at NZFC level and get himself fit and in the reckoning for the Phoenix, no point feeling lost out. That should be easy for him IMHO. Just get busy.
BTW it was Stu Jacob's call on the Olywhites and not Ricki.
And I thought he turn down the opportunity to return back home for the Phoenix because he wasn't going back until after at least for another season?! So I thought that his new family situation is more legit than any fallout.
I still feel that he was knocked back a bit from his Dutch club and Olywhites. I believe that he was the needed quality to the Olywhites (rather than Elliot's work rate) that would deliver on the day. The spine of the team should be on quality players not work-rate players as you can always get work-rate players.
A real blow to the AWs . . . honestly, that can't be ignored.
As for the Phoenix, our midfield is packed as it is. I think that Johnson will hang his boot after this season and that Vicelich is the most logical replacement. Vicelich does deserve a crack in the A-League for at least a season or two. He's has got plenty to give to the club, knowledge and experience wise.
Either that or I think that playing with the Waitakere City club may actually bring him too much grief that he may have hang his boots permanently because of the low skill level
It will show how much he has improved after 8 years and he would want to play at a better level.
Welcome back to the yellow fever.co.nz, btw.
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I think that Johnson will hang his boot after this season and that Vicelich is the most logical replacement.
Aye?
Incredible stamina. No shame. Yellow Fever.
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Ah, no.
Cole Peverly is the logical replacement
Cole Peverly is the logical replacement
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Ah, no.Cole Peverly is the logical replacement
I was thinking of experience wise but then Cole Peverly is never a bad thought as a replacement. Wish we could have both then. I am undecided about having Dodd about. There may be an extension to the squad numbers next year with the two new teams added next season so that may open a few spots.
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agree, he is young in terms of international retirements , he would be the logical choice for our holding midfielder ahead of CB pairing nelsen with either sigmund/boyens, hope he gets settled back in auckland and then reconsiders his position for next year confederations cup, 
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nzherald Sport @nzheraldsport
All White Ivan Vicelich today called time on his illustrious international footballing career. Vicelich won 88 caps between 1995-2013.
All White Ivan Vicelich today called time on his illustrious international footballing career. Vicelich won 88 caps between 1995-2013.
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Quality player for the All Whites of the years, big part of our World Cup success in South Africa. Leaves some a big shoes to be filled by the youngsters coming thru.
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Perhaps the gretest necro of a thread on this forum ever. Well played RR.
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The whole in midfield appears to be getting bigger and bigger
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Great player and I hope he gets into coaching, he's the kind of guy that we need to stay in the game here. A proper home grown talent with genuine top level experience
Normo's coming home
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Gutted by this announcement for the second time. Only question I have is why he did not do it in November. Was he told that he would not get called up for the Japan game so thought better to retire on his own terms, rather then do a David Beckham etc.
As an aside, I really wish he did not miss the games that he did in '08 and '09 as that would have given him the outright appearance record which is still held by Mr Sumner, which Steve will hold on to far a lot longer now (I also get the feeling that Wood will eventually claim one if, not both records).
Supporter world's best and worst football teams: Waikato/WaiBop, Kingz, Knights, Phoenix, The Argyle, The Whites & the All Whites
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Great player for us, but right time to go.
Would definitely put up with a bit of short term pain, to see some of the new brigade (Roux, Tuiloma, James etc) get some time to establish themselves in the AWs. Japan game is a great place to start.
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Hindsight is a bitch.
it's actually a good indication of where peverley was heading at the time and how much he has fallen off the wagon
pity that, because he was going to be pretty good i reckon
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Hindsight is a bitch.
At least you never suggested Brownlie > Smeltz, - that would look REALLY silly.
Grumpy old bastard alert
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Ah, no.
Cole Peverly is the logical replacement
Cole Peverly is the logical replacement
ah the great cole peverly, born in the year 198.
yung thug
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