Wednesday, 12 January 2005 11:14 PM
After more than 450 NSL matches, 3 NSL Player of the Year Awards, a treble of NSL titles and 6 SMFC Best and Fairest awards, Paul Trimboli has formally announced his retirement from football.
The 36 year old veteran had been training with the South Melbourne FC squad for the upcoming VPL season, but has decided to draw the curtain on his stellar career.
“Johnny Anastasiadis was keen to get me along and help mould the new squad, but after a while my body made it clear that it was time to move on” says a circumspect Trimboli, “there will no doubt be some sadness that comes with this, but I believe it was the right decision for me and the club”.
Commitment to the club where he has played all but 22 of his NSL matches spanning 3 decades brought him back, and he is hopeful that SMFC will be challenging for the VPL title for years to come. “South are always competitive. If we aren’t winning championships, we’re not far off it and I doubt that is going to change”.
SMFC President George Donikian has nothing but the upmost praise for the retiring champion. “Words can’t describe what Paul Trimboli means to this club, he has been a brilliant servant of the club in the way he has conducted himself both on and off the field. He was a member of our team of the century and his presence on the pitch will be dearly missed”.
While not having an official role with the team for the rest of 2005, Trimboli says his heart will always be with the famous club. The former Socceroo will no doubt be a regular fixture in the stands at SMFC matches this season including the club’s opening round clash with Heidelberg United on 30 January at Bob Jane Stadium.