Milligan Finds Potential Arsenal Move Blocked
Mark Milligan’s proposed transfer to Arsenal appears to be hampered due to immigration issues, forcing him to look at a potential move to France or Spain if he wishes to fulfil his dream of playing in Europe.
Milligan was invited to train with the Gunners Reserves team at the end of last season, but also had trial periods with Metz, Lens, Manchester City and Fulham. SkySports News reported yesterday that he had been talking with two “un-named” Premiership club’s, but it now appears any move will be blocked.
Aidan from ArseNews knows a player called Wade Oostendoorp, who is represented by the well known Australian agent Lou Sticca. Sticca also represents Milligan, and bragged to Oostendoorp’s father that he had helped get Mark a contract with Arsenal.
Milligan was in action on Saturday, and bagged a brace for Australia’s Under 23 side which he captains, in front of watching scouts. The versatile utility man is one of the most highly rated players in Australia, and has impressed playing in both central defence, and then in an advanced holding midfield role.
Noted for his excellent passing and vision, Mark was converted by former Socceroos boss Guus Hiddink, having previously been used as a striker and right back. Sticca comes with a colourful history, and owns and markets the Aussie website “TribalFootball”.
Mark was forced to admit a transfer to any English club looks unlikely due to work permit criteria, but reaffirmed his desire to seal a switch to Europe this summer.
“It was not really that feasible at the moment with passport and things like that”.
“As I’ve always said, to make the right move for me, I just don’t want to go overseas and just become a number or just sit on the bench.”
“I am not just heading overseas for the sake of it. I want to go overseas to play and be able to make my mark.”
One possible way around the deal, could see him loaned to a link club in the form or either Real Sociedad, UD Salamanca, or possibly Osasuna. However, this seems rather unlikely.
Article By – J.Sanderson
Who?
crafty bison said this on July 15, 2008 at 1:35 pm
I haven’t seen the guy play. Does anyone here rate him?
LondonGooner said this on July 15, 2008 at 1:37 pm
lol is this guy even any good?? Potential Flamster replacement
?!
Craig said this on July 15, 2008 at 1:38 pm
He is rated as one of the best in the A League (Aussie Premiership).
Not a big name, but a utility man who can play all over.
J.Sanderson said this on July 15, 2008 at 1:43 pm
As an aussie, I definitely rate him “just” a bit better than Lucas Neil at his best. He’s no Tony Adams but better than Senderos………. maybe.
georgesydaust said this on July 15, 2008 at 1:45 pm
being from australia, and watching him play for sydney- he played more as a right back. Had a good year in the 2006-7 season here in aus and had opportunities with the national team, but this past season struggled with injuries and played pretty average to be honest. Hes an interesting one could be good but i dont know, i might have to eat my words, but as a central midfielder…. i dont think so. Only wenger knows…
sid said this on July 15, 2008 at 1:45 pm
Finally some news on Milligan!
Thanks JS.
Arse&Nose said this on July 15, 2008 at 1:49 pm
i watch the a league and there is now way in the world he would be good enough to play for arsenal and what is that guy talking about he is not better than lucsa neill. haha and even considering him in the midfield is a joke
Peter said this on July 15, 2008 at 1:55 pm
Wenger is a genius any body agree??
pumpd said this on July 15, 2008 at 2:03 pm
He’s rubbish, I’d rather have Cygan back and living in Australia I watch quite a bit of the a-league. I would actually question Arsene’s sanity if he signed him. He’s a championship player at best. Anyway I heard he’s off to QPR or Crystal Palace so thankfully we’ve dodged that bullet
iop said this on July 15, 2008 at 2:07 pm
Everyone agrees here, if not then you ain’t welcome.
F.Merida said this on July 15, 2008 at 2:07 pm
pumpd – Of course, i dont think anybody can deny that.
F.Merida – haha
J.Sanderson said this on July 15, 2008 at 2:11 pm
No disagreement fro me
F.Merida, i like it haha!
Clacko the Gooner said this on July 15, 2008 at 2:28 pm
Whilst Milligan’s playing credentials may be questionable, I’m sure it’s safe to say that Wenger knows his sh*t. The one thing that sets Wenger apart from other managers is his ability to create diamonds out of crusty rock. So, if Wenger thinks Milligan is good enough for us, I say he’ll be proven right sooner or later.
Josh said this on July 15, 2008 at 2:30 pm
but he is an international so why work permit problems???
satish said this on July 15, 2008 at 3:17 pm
No chance of a ’special talent ‘ work permit. Once again J brilliant work keeping everyone updated. This was a big story at the begining of the summer however had died down recently. Nice to be kept informed. Thanks Alot
Gooner_14 said this on July 15, 2008 at 3:42 pm
satish – He is a full international, but has not played 75% of Australia’s first team games, because he has played for the Under 23’s.
Gooner_14 – No problem mate, glad you enjoy the updates
J.Sanderson said this on July 15, 2008 at 3:44 pm
Vela- 10 goals
Walcott 25
RVP 20′
Fabregas 15
Bendtner 15
Defence concede 20 goals
Top Scorer Walcott.!!!
Looking forward to seeing those stats on the net
pumpd said this on July 15, 2008 at 3:56 pm
Quiet very queit
pumpd said this on July 15, 2008 at 4:05 pm
pumpd: I think it’ll be… Vela 13, Walcott 21, RVP 9 (injury for the rest of the season), Fabregas 9 and Bentner 23.
Seedorf said this on July 15, 2008 at 4:26 pm
Vela 10 and Walcott 25, they’ll be lucky to start that many games.
I think people are expecting way too much, way too quickly.
F.Merida said this on July 15, 2008 at 4:33 pm
Vela- 10 goals
Walcott 25
RVP 20′
Fabregas 15
Bendtner 15
More like
Eduardo-13
Vela-7
Rosicky-7
Fab-11
RVP-17
Walcott-20
Nic-18
rockypires said this on July 15, 2008 at 4:48 pm
i think Miligan is one of these players australia have who seem to do well in europe ie jason culina terrific player for PSV, mark breschaino, viduka, kewell in his prime, mark schwarz of fulham, archie thmopson of psv, Miligan must be good if wenger and hiddink rate him highly
john said this on July 15, 2008 at 5:17 pm
we do not need this milligan. i would rather have spike milligan and hes been dead about 10 years. dont want australians at the club they are useless.
Me said this on July 15, 2008 at 5:22 pm
Milligan obviously doesn’t have a British grandparent to get him special dispensation as happens in other sports with Australians and South Africans
Passenal said this on July 15, 2008 at 5:33 pm
hey i want to start a blog myself, but i dont know what the theme should be, as i also want it to be about arsenal. could you give me any directions since your blog is now classed excellent quality??????
gunner4life said this on July 15, 2008 at 5:59 pm
Gunner4Life: How about doing a player blog, i don’t think this one can be topped…
Seedorf said this on July 15, 2008 at 6:35 pm
nah, do a blog on arsenal players’ girlfriends!!
the Oracle said this on July 15, 2008 at 7:00 pm
Haha, Oracle i doubt it’ll be anything besides them being Topless…. Yeah do it on their GFs!
Start with Nasri
, In the words of Borat… “Waa Waa Wee Waa”
Seedorf said this on July 15, 2008 at 7:11 pm
gunner4life – Player blogs are probably the best thing, i help run Carlos Vela News, and it is growing.
There are so many established blogs around, its difficult for any new Arsenal blogs to push in. You need to find something different.
J.Sanderson said this on July 15, 2008 at 7:28 pm
hahahahahahahahahahaha kwl, i was jus wonderin enewayz. keep it up man. peace.
gunner4life said this on July 15, 2008 at 7:46 pm
hi i have just seen the arsenal training video on youtube, henri lansbury has got a new hair cut, and i saw pedro training the tall lanky one. Also Bendtner looks like hes grown an inch or two hes like a lamp post hes got to be about 6ft5
john said this on July 15, 2008 at 7:52 pm
HAV U GT THE LINK PLZZ JOHN I WNT TO SEE IT?
gunner4life said this on July 15, 2008 at 7:53 pm
http://youtube.com/watch?v=2VP557LPw70
F.Merida said this on July 15, 2008 at 8:00 pm
Youtube doesn’t work for me..
Damn Settings. Any Liveleak/Metaclips/Google links?
Seedorf said this on July 15, 2008 at 8:06 pm
Nvm, i’ve found out if i refresh 200 times it works!.
Seedorf said this on July 15, 2008 at 8:12 pm
Can anyone update me on whether Nasri is at pre-season training, cheers
Not too keen on Milligan, can’t see him pushing Sagna out the team, and I don’t think he’ll be used in midfield IMO.
Joshwaaa said this on July 15, 2008 at 8:36 pm
I would love to see it but if Theo gets more than 15 LEAGUE goals it would be a miracle.
rick said this on July 15, 2008 at 8:36 pm
Nasri will start pre-season training next Monday mate.
F.Merida said this on July 15, 2008 at 8:43 pm
Hi there
Im thinking of doing a blog about young arsenal players as I dont think anyone’s doing one.
Yep, deffo not one blog about arsenal reserves and youth team players.
Think I’ll call it ….. hmmm ….gun youngs or something like that.
Dwayne Dibbly said this on July 15, 2008 at 9:10 pm
Anyone here subscribe to Arsenal TV? I want to watch preseason games and was just wondering if its worth getting it or not.
W1n said this on July 15, 2008 at 9:11 pm
W1n: I’d say yes, if you’re not sure about 45 quid a year, just get the month for a fiver!. Well worth it.
Dwayne: Great Idea, but gun youngs sounds like you’re chewing gum, how about Younger Gunners?
Seedorf said this on July 15, 2008 at 9:20 pm
I’ve just saw goal.com that Daniel Parejo wants to go from Real M. And if I recall correctly we were after him not so long ago. So does anybody think that we are going to try to sign him or we don’t want him to take Wilshere’s place?
Veske said this on July 15, 2008 at 9:47 pm
Seerdorf…thanks mate~
W1n said this on July 15, 2008 at 9:48 pm
No Problem. I can be Editor… right?
Seedorf said this on July 15, 2008 at 9:50 pm
How about a blog on players’ parents? that shud be interesting. fabregas’ mum still got it IMO. Bendtner’s dad got a lot to say…
The Oracle said this on July 15, 2008 at 9:54 pm
Oracle: Never seen/heard Bendtner’s Dad. No doubt lanky hey
Seedorf said this on July 15, 2008 at 9:55 pm
Im gonna do a blog on Arsenal players political views;
Ive got 2 players lined up so far;
Kolo Tory
Manuel Labour
What you think?
Dwayne Dibbly said this on July 15, 2008 at 10:05 pm
Dwayne: Doubt you can have a whole blog based on that maybe just one article?
Seedorf said this on July 15, 2008 at 10:08 pm
Seedorf: hahaha, the irony is he’s quite a short fella but he’s best mate is a 6ft 5″ bean pole…..hmmnnnn
The Oracle said this on July 15, 2008 at 10:18 pm
Oracle: Wow, that is Irony. If anyone’s bored i can give them a link for Hellboy II.
Seedorf said this on July 15, 2008 at 10:19 pm
I’m from Oz. Milligan does not appear to be Arsenal quality. Simple as that. It won’t happen.
Andre 2000 said this on July 15, 2008 at 10:21 pm
Is Gilberto really leaving us?!?! and for 1 million quid?!?! With Flamini gone…i hope Wenger doesn’t sell him…unless he has a trick up his sleeves :O
W1n said this on July 15, 2008 at 10:28 pm
Merida’s gunner be great:
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/onestowatch/article1401197.ece
GunnerRashidinho said this on July 15, 2008 at 10:38 pm
Seedorf;
You’re right mate. Dunno what the hell I was thinkin there!
Dwayne Dibbly said this on July 15, 2008 at 10:48 pm
Dwayne: It’s alright mate, just blame the booze
Seedorf said this on July 15, 2008 at 11:04 pm
Nice blog, very informative
Raja said this on July 15, 2008 at 11:06 pm
J , What Strikers will participate in the Barnet Game , Simpson , Walcott what about adebayor , v.persie , vela .
Super_Gooner said this on July 15, 2008 at 11:32 pm
apparently milligans grandma is a pom. milligan is really good CDM whicj is the position he played iwhen he scored two goals
nr790 said this on July 16, 2008 at 12:57 am
The presenters on our Fox Sports Football show (AUS), last Thursday night stated that MM had left the country to go back to England to sign a contract. They said Mark would not tell them which club but hinted it may be a London club.
BTW, i think if he signed he would be a good squad player, ie. Gilberto’s replacemnt, not a first teamer IMO.
AR said this on July 16, 2008 at 1:20 am
i’m an aussie and often watch milligan – he’d be one of the better players in the a-league for sure, but i unfortunately have to say that he probably would struggle to make it on the field for arsenal reserves. yes, he is young and will get better, but milligan ever actually playing for arsenal would have to be one of the biggest miracles that has ever happened!!
luce said this on July 16, 2008 at 11:51 am
He’s rubbish
jordan44 said this on July 16, 2008 at 12:14 pm
Also from Aus, watched him over the last few years and hes no standout in the Aus League. Would be no where near the Gunners pace. Hes a slow mover, very slow on the ball.
Jim said this on July 17, 2008 at 11:38 am