Quick Facts
LeoBiography
Robert Middleby (born 9 August 1975 in Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia) is an Australian former football player who last played for North Queensland Fury in the A-League. He is also the former CEO of the Newcastle Jets.
Biography
Club career
He played for Sydney FC after earlier stints at Newcastle United Jets, Wollongong Wolves (twice), Carlton, Football Kingz and the Newcastle Breakers. He won the 2001 NSL title with the Wolves and the 2006 A-League title with Sydney FC and also spent time overseas with German outfit KFC Uerdingen 05.
Sydney FC
Middleby saw little game time under coach Pierre Littbarski in his first season at the club, playing only 212 minutes in 16 appearances despite scoring in Sydney FC's 3–1 victory against New Zealand Knights early in the campaign. He gained favour, though, under Littbarski's replacement Terry Butcher and was a regular starter in the 2006–07 season. Despite missing part of the season with a broken collarbone after a controversial off-the-ball incident involving Melbourne Victory defender Adrian Leijer, Middleby was voted Sydney FC Players' Player of the Year for the season.
Middleby is famous for accidentally breaking David Beckham's rib, when Sydney FC played the Los Angeles Galaxy at ANZ Stadium inNovember 2007. Sydney ended up winning 5–3. Middleby also scored in the match.
North Queensland Fury
In November 2008, Middleby signed a contract with North Queensland Fury. He has been used in his more preferred role of right back, as well as being used in central midfield under coach Ian Ferguson. On 11 February 2010, he announced his retirement from professional football at the end of the 2009–10 season Middleby played his last game against Gold Coast United, which North Queensland won 2–1.
Newcastle Jets
Middleby resigned as CEO for the Newcastle Jets in the A-League on 7 January 2015. Upon retiring, Middleby said "I will use the next few weeks to support the mid-season review process". He is expected to leave the club by 24 January 2015, when A-League competition resumes after the 2015 Asian Cup break.
National team statistics
| Australia national team | ||
|---|---|---|
| Year | Apps | Goals |
| 2002 | 5 | 0 |
| Total | 5 | 0 |
Honours
With Sydney FC:
- A-League Championship: 2005–06
- Oceania Club Championship: 2004–05
With Wollongong Wolves:
- NSL Championship: 2000–2001
- Oceania Club Championship: 2000–01
Personal Honours:
- Sydney FC Player of the Year: 2006–07
