Robbie Middleby
Robert Middleby | |
|---|---|
| Born | August 9, 1975 Newcastle, Australia |
| Occupation(s) | Soccer player, CEO |
| Years active | 1990s–2010 (player), 2015 (executive) |
| Known for | Playing for Sydney FC, Newcastle United Jets, Wollongong Wolves; CEO of Newcastle Jets FC |
Robert Middleby (born 9 August 1975) is a retired Australian soccer player who predominantly occupied the roles of right-back and right midfielder. He held the position of CEO at Newcastle Jets FC until 2015. Throughout his professional tenure, Middleby featured prominently for clubs including Sydney FC, Newcastle United Jets, Wollongong Wolves (across two spells), Carlton, Football Kingz, and Newcastle Breakers. His achievements include winning the 2001 NSL title with Wollongong Wolves and securing the 2006 A-League championship with Sydney FC. Additionally, he gained international experience playing for German side KFC Uerdingen 05.
Sydney FC
Originating from Newcastle, Australia, Middleby initially saw limited action under coach Pierre Littbarski, accumulating only 212 minutes across 16 matches in his debut season, yet managed to score in a 3–1 triumph over New Zealand Knights. Following Littbarski's departure, Middleby became a first-choice player during the 2006–07 campaign under new manager Terry Butcher. Although sidelined for part of the season due to a collarbone fracture caused by an off-the-ball clash with Melbourne Victory FC defender Adrian Leijer, he earned the distinction of Sydney FC Players' Player of the Year.
A memorable moment came in November 2007 when Middleby scored and inadvertently fractured David Beckham's rib during a fixture against the Los Angeles Galaxy held at ANZ Stadium.
North Queensland Fury
In November 2008, Middleby joined North Queensland Fury, where he primarily operated as a right back and occasionally featured in central midfield under coach Ian Ferguson. On 11 February 2010, he announced his intention to retire at the conclusion of the 2009–10 season. His final appearance culminated in a 2–1 victory over Gold Coast United FC.
Newcastle Jets
Middleby transitioned into an executive role when appointed CEO of the Newcastle Jets FC in the A-League in January 2015. Upon hanging up his boots, he expressed commitment to supporting the club’s mid-season evaluation procedures.
Career statistics
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | 2002 | 5 | 0 |
| Total | 5 | 0 | |
Honours
Sydney FC
Wollongong Wolves
- NSL Championship: 2000–01
- Oceania Club Championship: 2000–01
Australia
- Runner-up, OFC Nations Cup: 2002
Individual
- Sydney FC Players' Player of the Year: 2006–07
External links
- Pages with script errors
- Articles with short description
- Articles with hCards
- No local image but image on Wikidata
- 1975 births
- Living people
- Australian men's soccer players
- Australia men's international soccer players
- A-League Men players
- National Soccer League (Australia) players
- Sydney FC players
- Wollongong Wolves FC players
- Australian expatriate men's soccer players
- Northern Fury FC players