News and views on the Melbourne Victory
September 23rd, 2008 — Melbourne Victory, Michael Theoklitos, Mitchell Langerak
The Melbourne Victory decided yesterday not to appeal Michael Theoklitos’ red card, but today have to decide whether to appeal the 2-match suspension given to their #1.
One positive bit of news is that the FFA has agreed to allow Melbourne to sign a replacement goalkeeper on a short-term basis. Alternatively, the club could use Mitch Langerak, with youth team keeper Mijo Marinovic warming the bench.
September 2nd, 2008 — Michael Theoklitos, Transfers
The rumours started yesterday, and the Herald Sun and Age were both reporting today that Michael Theoklitos may be moving to Everton.
But news from the UK is that Everton have signed Carlo Nash as their back-up ‘keeper instead of Theoklitos.
Seems Theo isn’t going anywhere just yet.
February 8th, 2008 — Carlos Hernandez, MVFC Awards, Melbourne Victory, Michael Theoklitos, Sebastian Ryall
Thank you to everyone who voted in the MVFC Awards!
Voting is now closed. In two of the categories, clear winners emerged, but in the third, it was a very tight race.
Without further ado, here’s who you voted the best Melbourne Victory players in 2007/08:
January 2nd, 2008 — Archie Thompson, Kevin Muscat, Leigh Broxham, Michael Theoklitos, Nick Ward, Pim Verbeek, Rodrigo Vargas, Socceroos
Pim Verbeek announced his 22-man selection for a Socceroos training camp next week. Among them are Melbourne Victory’s Archie Thompson, Kevin Muscat and Rodrigo Vargas.
Only A-League players were picked for the training camp, though Verbeek insists there’s no guarantee that he’ll pick exclusively A-League players for the opening World Cup qualifier against Qatar on February 6.
On his perception of the A-League, Verbeek said:
“I enjoyed every game I’ve seen, the stadiums are fantastic, the crowds are unbelievable.”
“I saw great goals, but I saw also unbelievable mistakes.”
“It’s up to me to find out if the players make that same mistake too many times because then I cannot use them.” (The World Game) Continue reading →
July 24th, 2007 — Melbourne Victory, Michael Theoklitos, Players
Known to fans simply as Theo, the big man in goals had a sterling season last year, keeping 10 clean sheets in 21 games. It is fair to say that he probably had the best season of his career thus far, much to the delight of tens of thousands of Victory supporters. His performances were such that Simon Hill picked him as goalkeeper in his “Best 11″ for the season, an outstanding compliment considering the exceptionally high calibre of goal keepers in the A-League.
Theoklitos started his career in the old NSL, playing for the Bulleen Zebras and Football Kingz. A stint in England with Blackbool FC was tainted by injury, leading to his fairly speedy return to play in the VPL first for South Melbourne and then returning to Bulleen. In a most memorable moment, he helped Bulleen win the VPL final in 2005 in a penalty shoot-out by saving 3 of the 4 penalties. Perhaps it was that spectacular performance that helped seal the deal when Melbourne Victory came into the picture.
He had a difficult first year in front of him though as Merrick seemingly remained undecided as to who would be better in goals. With two excellent keepers to choose from, Merrick put them on a rotational system, giving them both ample chance to prove themselves. By the end of the season it had become clear which goalkeeper was most trusted to guard Melbourne’s goal. Season 2 has only helped to solidify his position as the Victory’s no.1 .
Lets hope the sounds of “Theo, Theo” ring from the stands for a long time to come.
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