Branko Milosevic

Europe

Born in Osijek, SR Croatia, SFR Yugoslavia, Branko Milosevic played for Olimpija Osijek as a junior and later was picked up by NK Dinamo Zagreb where he played with the likes of Zvonimir Boban in the Yugoslav First League. Branko left zagreb shortly after arriving and joined SSV Ulm 1846 in Germany where he had two successful seasons before coming to Australia.

Australia

Milosevic came to Australia in 1987 and played for Croatian side Melbourne Croatia (Melbourne Knights). He was an instant star; he brought so many great qualities to the NSL and was arguably the best player in Australia. He left Melbourne Knights in 1991 to move to Sydney side Sydney Olympic FC where he was one of the crowds favourite. He had a great first season and Australian coach Eddie Thompson marked him as his player of the year unfortunately he finished runner up in the Johnny Warren medal as he did a few years back while at Melbourne Knights. Milosevic left Sydney Olympic FC in 1995 after Coach David Ratcliffe dropped the Socceroo midfielder out of the squad without a reason. West Adelaide were quick to offer and brought Milosevic to Adelaide. After a couple of seasons at West Adelaide Branko was able to change his game style and play as sweeper, despite being in his 30's. He was playing very well and kept the West Adelaide SC defense strong and organised and was then appointed captain in 1997. Milosevic then announced his retirement from the NSL in 1999 after the club announced that they were pulling out of the NSL due to a financial crisis. 10 years later Branko made his comeback to play for Adelaide Olympic in 2009 and won the premier league player of the year at 45 years of age despite only playing 7 games. But that wasn't all he achieved in 2009, Branko and his son Alen became the first father and son to play together in the same team in the premier league. Branko currently coaches Adelaide Olympic

National Honour

Milosevic made his Australian debut against South Korea in 1990. He made 15 appearances and scored 2 goals. Milosevic scored against New Zealand in 1991, and North Korea in 1992.

Coaching career

Milosevic took up his first job as manager to Adelaide Olympic in 2000 where he was player/Coach in the premier league (2nd division), he won the league undefeated and was promoted into the super league (1st division). The following year he finished 6th in the super league and 6th again in 2002. Branko then coached the SA state teams for a couple years before joining Adelaide Raiders in 2005 where in his first year he finished 2nd in the league and 2nd in the league cup losing out to rivals White City in extra time. In 2006 Branko brought Carl Maynard, now of Adelaide Galaxy, as his assistant, together they finished 2nd again but at season's end Milosevic wanted Carl to have the job as he wanted to develop the youth teams (U/19s and reserves) at Raiders and prepare the younger players for the 1st team in the years to come. But things didn't work out as the club wasn’t happy with Carl Maynard even though he had finished the 2007 season equal 2nd but after a slow start. So in 2008 Branko took up the job again and developed an outstanding young squad which included the likes of Osama Malik, Mimi Saric and Richie Alagich. They finished 4th after losing out to Campbelltown City SC 3–2 in the 106th minute in the quarter finals at Newton Sportsground in what was probably the game of the season. Branko left Adelaide Raiders at season's end and re-joined Adelaide Olympic as assistant coach (and then eventually player) to head coach Ivan Zafran.

After making his comeback to soccer in 2009 for Adelaide Olympic as player/assistant coach the club appointed Branko as the head coach for the 2010 season. He finished the 2010 season 6th and has been re-appointed for the 2011 season and his team are more than likely the favorites to win the 2011 season