Post by Paul on Jun 12, 2007 1:24:38 GMT
Please forgive me for my own self indulgence here for my tribute to an old friend I grew up with.
The world of Australian soccer farewelled one its great servants when Whyalla's Carl Veart announced his retirement late last month.
Veart signed off a long and illustrious professional soccer career after completing his final senior appearance for Adelaide United in their Asian Champions League game against Vietnamese side Dong Tam Long An.
The three-nil win was an ideal way for Veart to bow out, who, although not managing to score, still looked dangerous up front in his familiar striker role.
Born in Whyalla and having played his junior soccer for Whyalla side Croatia, Veart first stepped into seniors for Croatia in the 1987 season at the ripe age of 16 in the Northern Areas Soccer Association.
The following season he was drafted off to State Premier League side Salisbury, before being selected in the Adelaide City Squad the same year.
Veart slotted his first goal in the NSL against Wollongong in 1989, the first of some 90 goals for Adelaide under its different franchises.
With five seasons under his belt playing at the front for Adelaide United in the NSL, Veart was then drafted overseas to newly relegated Sheffield United.
In 66 appearances in two years, Veart slotted 16 goals for the Blades, and caught the eye of selectors from Crystal Palace, a side hovering between the English Division 1 League and the Premiership, a division below the English Premier League.
In his time at Crystal Palace, Veart became affectionately known as "Goal Machine", slotting home 12 goals in 71 appearances for the club.
Following the stint at Crystal Palace, Veart played only eight games for Milwall before returning home to Adelaide in 1998, where he finished his career.
The world of Australian soccer farewelled one its great servants when Whyalla's Carl Veart announced his retirement late last month.
Veart signed off a long and illustrious professional soccer career after completing his final senior appearance for Adelaide United in their Asian Champions League game against Vietnamese side Dong Tam Long An.
The three-nil win was an ideal way for Veart to bow out, who, although not managing to score, still looked dangerous up front in his familiar striker role.
Born in Whyalla and having played his junior soccer for Whyalla side Croatia, Veart first stepped into seniors for Croatia in the 1987 season at the ripe age of 16 in the Northern Areas Soccer Association.
The following season he was drafted off to State Premier League side Salisbury, before being selected in the Adelaide City Squad the same year.
Veart slotted his first goal in the NSL against Wollongong in 1989, the first of some 90 goals for Adelaide under its different franchises.
With five seasons under his belt playing at the front for Adelaide United in the NSL, Veart was then drafted overseas to newly relegated Sheffield United.
In 66 appearances in two years, Veart slotted 16 goals for the Blades, and caught the eye of selectors from Crystal Palace, a side hovering between the English Division 1 League and the Premiership, a division below the English Premier League.
In his time at Crystal Palace, Veart became affectionately known as "Goal Machine", slotting home 12 goals in 71 appearances for the club.
Following the stint at Crystal Palace, Veart played only eight games for Milwall before returning home to Adelaide in 1998, where he finished his career.