Kevin Muscat

Born in Crawley, West Sussex, in England from Maltese descent, Muscat began his career as a junior at Australian National Soccer League (NSL) club Sunshine George Cross, making his first senior appearances for the club in the 1989–90 season at 16 years old.{{cite web|url=http://nationalfootballteams.com/v2/player.php?id=443|title=Kevin Muscat|publisher=National Football Teams|access-date=2 September 2009|archive-date=26 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120226112826/http://nationalfootballteams.com/v2/player.php?id=443|url-status=dead}} He moved from Sunshine to the Australian Institute of Sport in 1990 and was awarded the Weinstein Medal as the Victorian Junior Player of the year.{{cite web|url=http://www.ozfootball.net/ark/States/VIC/JnrPOY.html|title=Weinstein Medal|work=OzFootball|access-date=2 September 2009}}

He continued playing in the NSL for Heidelberg United in the 1991–92 season before earning a move to Australian powerhouse South Melbourne Hellas. Mostly deployed as a left-back, Muscat's aggressiveness and defensive awareness made him a standout performer in the league which attracted international attention. During his time at South, he was called up to the Olyroos.

In 1995–96 he trialled at Sheffield United under manager Dave Bassett but decided to stay at South Melbourne.{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/muscat-aims-to-collect-honour-at-the-palace-1263544.html|title= Muscat aims to collect honour at the Palace |date=26 May 1997|work=The Independent|access-date=2 September 2009 | location=London | first=Clive | last=White}} After further impressive performances with South Melbourne and the Olyroos, he attracted the interest of many overseas clubs. His performances for South culminated in a senior international call-up by Eddie Thompson for the Australian National Team. By August 1996 Bassett had taken the helm at Crystal Palace and signed Muscat for the south London club for £35,000 from South Melbourne Hellas.{{cite web|url=http://www.sporting-heroes.net/football-heroes/displayhero_club.asp?HeroID=42361|title=Kevin Muscat|publisher=football-heroes.net|access-date=2 September 2009}} In his departure Muscat thanked the South Melbourne fans for their support towards him.{{Cite web |title=South Melbourne vs Sydney United, round 6, 1995-1996.pdf |url=https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-GeBc7j6xA6MjRkcWFHMUl2MTQ/view?resourcekey=0-3X_qIqNPZvbK54BC8B3k9g&usp=embed_facebook |access-date=2022-12-07 |website=Google Docs}}

Muscat was part of the Palace team that subsequently won promotion to the English Premier League, defeating Sheffield United in the 1997 play-off final at Wembley.{{cite web|url=http://www.soccerbase.com/results3.sd?gameid=303994|title=Championship final 1997|publisher=Soccerbase|access-date=2 September 2009|archive-date=2 June 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080602042034/http://www.soccerbase.com/results3.sd?gameid=303994|url-status=dead}} Muscat obtained a reputation as a 'hard man' at Palace and was constantly targeted by the media and opposing fans for his style of play. He made nine Premier League appearances for Palace before moving to First Division Wolverhampton Wanderers for £200,000 in October 1997.

Muscat remained at Wolves for five seasons before moving to Scotland to join Rangers on a free transfer in July 2002.

Muscat was part of the Rangers squad which won a treble of domestic trophies in 2002–03 season.{{cite news|title=Rangers retain CIS Cup|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_div_1/2853133.stm|website=The Herald Scotland|date=16 March 2003|access-date=19 March 2024}}
{{cite news|title=Rangers win to clinch title|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/2932016.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=25 May 2003|access-date=19 March 2024}}
{{cite news|title=Rangers crowned SPL champions|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/2936822.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=26 May 2003|access-date=19 March 2024}}
{{cite news|title=Rangers complete Treble|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_div_1/2946904.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=31 May 2003|access-date=19 March 2024}} He helped the club's defence kept six consecutive clean sheets in the league between 25 August 2002 and 28 September 2002.{{cite news|title=Rangers too good for Dons|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/2212096.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=25 August 2002|access-date=19 March 2024}}
{{cite news|title=Rangers destroy Dunfermline|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/2226713.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=1 September 2002|access-date=19 March 2024}}
{{cite news|title=Rangers beat Hearts to go top|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/2249256.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=11 September 2002|access-date=19 March 2024}}
{{cite news|title=Rangers make Livi pay|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/2254781.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=13 September 2002|access-date=19 March 2024}}
{{cite news|title=Rangers ease Thistle aside|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/2270606.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=20 September 2002|access-date=19 March 2024}}
{{cite news|title=Rangers stroll to win over Terrors|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/2284033.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=28 September 2002|access-date=19 March 2024}} Muscat would end his career in Scotland having played 22 times for Rangers.

Muscat's final British club was Millwall, for whom he played from 2003 to 2005. In 2004, he captained Millwall to the FA Cup Final for the first time in their history. He missed the final itself after suffering a knee ligament injury in the semi-final against Sunderland, although the Millwall manager Dennis Wise insisted on him being presented with a medal.

File:Kevin Muscat.jpg in 2010]]

He left Millwall to return to Australia to become Melbourne Victory's inaugural captain in the 2005–06 season. Under Victory manager Ernie Merrick, Muscat, a defender for virtually his entire career, moved to midfield for the 2006–07 season. He remained the captain until 2011.

In February 2011, Muscat announced his intention to retire from club football after the conclusion of the 2011 Asian Champions League.{{cite web|url=http://www.aleague.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=38961| title=Frustrated Muscat bows out|agency=Sportal|first=Bren|last=O'Brien|work=A-League.com.au|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110216174314/http://www.aleague.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=38961|archive-date=16 February 2011|access-date=17 September 2017}} His decision to finish was fast-tracked by an infamous tackle he committed in a Melbourne derby on 22 January 2011, which resulted in a season-ending eight-week ban from the A-League.{{cite web|title=Muscat confirms retirement|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/02/16/3140494.htm|archive-url=https://archive.today/20110628223415/http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/02/16/3140494.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=28 June 2011|work=ABC News|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|access-date=16 February 2011}} Muscat played out his competitive career in the 2011 AFC Champions League under the captaincy of centre-back Adrian Leijer, despite having previously referred to the competition as "not all that enjoyable".{{cite web|first=Mike|last=Tuckerman|work=FourFourTwo|publisher=Haymarket Media|date=20 April 2010|url=http://fourfourtwo.com/blogs/thedirtfromdownunder/archive/2010/04/20/muscat-champions-league-you-re-having-a-laugh.aspx|title=Muscat: Champions League? You're having a laugh!|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111218061816/http://fourfourtwo.com/blogs/thedirtfromdownunder/archive/2010/04/20/muscat-champions-league-you-re-having-a-laugh.aspx|archive-date=18 December 2011}} Muscat regained the captaincy for his farewell match in Melbourne, a 1–1 draw against J-League side Gamba Osaka.{{cite web|url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/football/asian-champions-league/kevin-muscat-farewells-melbourne-victory-with-a-1-1-draw-against-gamba-osaka-in-asian-champions-league/story-e6frf4kl-1226050080298?from=public_rss|work=Fox Sports|title=Muscat farewelled with ACL draw}} Muscat scored on his return to Sunshine George Cross in a 3–1 loss to Altona Magic in August 2011.{{cite web|publisher=Football Federation Victoria|title=Match details – Sunshine George Cross v Altona Magic|date=7 August 2011|url=http://www.footballfedvic.com.au/common/pages/public/rv/match.aspx?matchID=599923&entityID=7250}}{{dead link|date=January 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

Muscat represented Australia at Under-20 level at the World Youth Cup finals in Portugal in 1991 and Australia in 1993,{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/statisticsandrecords/players/player=154063/index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080501163211/http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/statisticsandrecords/players/player=154063/index.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=1 May 2008|title=Kevin Muscat Australia|publisher=FIFA|access-date=2 September 2009}} and at Under-23 level at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games. He made his full international debut in September 1994 against Kuwait, and went on to make 51 appearances for the national team,{{cite web|url=http://www.ozfootball.net/ark/Players/M/MR.html|title=Australian Player Database – Muscat, Kevin Vincent|work=OzFootball|access-date=16 April 2010}} including Confederations Cup tournaments in 1997, 2001 and 2005. Muscat captained the national team five times from April 2001 and scored a critical penalty in the 1–0 home leg of Australia's unsuccessful play-off against Uruguay for a place in the finals of the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

Muscat was dropped from the squad when coach Guus Hiddink took over in 2005 and played no part in Australia's subsequent qualification for the 2006 World Cup, but was recalled later in 2006 by Graham Arnold and captained Australia in its 2–0 Asian Cup qualifier against Kuwait.{{cite web|url=http://www.ozfootball.net/ark/Socceroo/2005A.html|title=Socceroo 2005 matches|work=OzFootball|access-date=16 April 2010}} In 2008, newly appointed coach Pim Verbeek selected Muscat in a squad of 22 A-League based players to prepare for 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, but he did not play in any subsequent fixtures.

File:Melbourne Victory Kevin Muscat.jpg

In 1996, Muscat was sent off in his first season in the UK in a match involving Crystal Palace and Norwich City after body checking Norwich player Darren Eadie which then sparked a 21-man melee where punches were thrown. Two other players were also sent off in the incident.{{cite web|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/CANARY+SPARKLERS%3B+Norwich+1+Crystal+Palace+1.-a061153449|title=Canary Sparklers|work=Sunday People|date=15 December 1996|via=The Free Online Library|access-date=17 September 2017}}

Muscat was branded a "lowlife" and a "nobody" by ex-England striker Ian Wright, then of Nottingham Forest, in September 1999. Wright claimed he was about to shoot when he heard Dougie Freedman, Forest's other striker, shout "leave it". Wright stepped over the ball to allow Freedman to hit it, but instead Muscat (who had, according to Wright, merely impersonated Freedman) appeared to clear the ball.{{cite news|work=The Independent|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-wright-continues-muscat-dispute-1121096.html|title=Wright continues Muscat dispute |date=22 September 1999|access-date=27 March 2009 | location=London | first=John | last=Cotton}}

Muscat was dubbed the "most hated man in football" by then Birmingham City player Martin Grainger in 2000 after a reckless tackle against international teammate, Stan Lazaridis.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/low/football/teams/w/wolverhampton_wanderers/1651609.stm|title=Muscat accused again|date=12 November 2001|work=BBC Sport|publisher=British Broadcasting Corporation|access-date=2 September 2009}} He seriously injured both Craig Bellamy and Christophe Dugarry, the latter in a friendly international between Australia and France in 2001 with a sliding tackle from behind. The French manager Roger Lemerre dubbed the tackle "an act of brutality".{{cite web|publisher=Soccernet|date=11 November 2001|url=http://www.soccernet.com/global/news/2001/1111/20011111lemerre.html|title=Lemerre condemns Muscat tackle as 'act of brutality'}} It was speculated that Muscat's temperament was the reason he was never selected for inclusion in an Old Firm derby during his time at Rangers.{{cite news|title=Muscat sweats on Old Firm Fate|work=The Times|date=20 April 2003|access-date=27 March 2009|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/article861887.ece | location=London}}{{dead link|date=September 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}

In March 2002, Muscat was sent off after nine minutes in a match against Grimsby Town for elbowing Grimsby striker Michael Boulding. Wolves lost the match and Muscat was suspended for three matches following the incident.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/1872852.stm|work=BBC Sport|publisher=British Broadcasting Corporation|date=16 March 2002|title=Wolves 0–1 Grimsby|access-date=17 September 2017}}

In 2003, after only three weeks since signing for Millwall, Muscat was fined and reprimanded by Millwall after a match against Watford where he gave away a penalty and was sent off for stamping on Watford's Danny Webber. Millwall chief executive, Ken Brown, formally warned Muscat that he would be sacked if he did not "clean up his act." "Kevin's actions were totally unacceptable. We have made him aware that such behavior will not be tolerated. Any repeat of such a deliberate, unprovoked, off-the-ball incident will result in his instant dismissal."{{Cite news |url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11735/2276900/muscat-on-final-warning |title=Muscat on final warning |last=Buckingham |first=Mark|work=Sky Sports |access-date=17 September 2017|language=en}}{{Cite news |url=http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/09/21/1064082865973.html |title=Wild Rover strikes back after jibes |date=22 September 2003 |work=The Age |publisher=Fairfax Media|access-date=17 September 2017}}

In 2004, a lawsuit on Muscat brought by former Charlton Athletic player Matty Holmes resulted in a settlement of £250,000 plus costs in favour of Holmes, bringing the estimated settlement to around £750,000. Holmes had to have four operations on his leg following a tackle by Muscat in 1998, and there were initial fears that his leg might have to be amputated. The claim was settled at the High Court without any admission of liability.{{cite news|work=BBC Sport|publisher=British Broadcasting Corporation|date=23 February 2004|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/3514673.stm|title=Holmes awarded £250,000}}{{cite news|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|agency=AAP|location=Melbourne|date=24 February 2004|url=http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/02/24/1077594810270.html?from=storyrhs|title=Socceroo's $606,000 payout}} In a League Cup tie while at Millwall, he grabbed the throat of Liverpool striker Milan Baroš.{{Cite web|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/muscat-is-accused-on-a-night-of-shame-6950899.html|title=Muscat is accused on a night of shame|first=Leo Spall, Evening|last=Standard|date=13 April 2012|website=www.standard.co.uk}} Also in 2004, Iwan Roberts admitted he deliberately stamped on Muscat in a match against Norwich City in revenge for his attempt to injure Craig Bellamy in 1999. Roberts was subsequently fined and suspended by The Football Association for his comments.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/g/gillingham/3677226.stm|title=Roberts to appeal over ban|date=21 September 2004|work=BBC Sport|publisher=British Broadcasting Corporation|access-date=3 September 2009}}

In March later that year while playing for Millwall, Muscat was red carded and suspended for five games following an altercation in the tunnel at half time with Sheffield United goalkeeper Paddy Kenny. United went on to win the game 2–1 despite having to use an outfield player in goal, and as Millwall players were walking off the pitch, Blades manager Neil Warnock was seen shaking players’ hands while also saying “serves you right for f*cking Muscat, that” – one of which being former Chelsea assistant manager, Jody Morris.{{cite news|first=Robert|last=Bryce|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/dec/06/match.sport9|title=Warnock calls on video of tunnel bust up|work=The Guardian|date=7 December 2004|access-date=17 September 2017}}

In December 2005, he was the first A-League player to appear before a FFA disciplinary hearing and was subsequently suspended for two matches for "violent conduct".{{cite news|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|agency=AAP|location=Melbourne|title=Muscat gets three-game suspension|url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/soccer/muscat-gets-threegame-suspension/2005/12/12/1134236003687.html|date=13 December 2005|access-date=27 March 2009}} At an A-league game in October 2006 Muscat clashed with then Adelaide United coach John Kosmina, knocking Kosmina from his chair while retrieving the ball. Kosmina responded by grabbing Muscat by the throat, an action for which Kosmina was suspended for four matches.{{cite news|first=Michael|last=Lynch|url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/football/kosmina-grabs-a-throat-as-well-as-points/2006/10/15/1160850815096.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap1|title=Kosmina grabs a throat as well as points|date=16 October 2006|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|publisher=Fairfax Media|access-date=3 September 2009}}{{cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/football/kosmina-handed-fourgame-ban/2006/10/18/1160850994849.html|title=Kosmina handed four-game ban|date=18 October 2006|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|publisher=Fairfax Media|access-date=3 September 2009}}

Muscat's dominant personality and aggressive style did win some admirers in the A-League, with former England international Terry Butcher stating "Every manager in the A-League would love to have Kevin, and I'm no exception".{{cite news|first=Michael|last=Cockerill|author-link=Mike Cockerill|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|publisher=Fairfax Media|date=5 December 2006|url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/football/why-butcher-likes-muscat/2006/12/05/1165080944142.html|title=Why Butcher likes Muscat|access-date=17 September 2017}}

In February 2009, Muscat "escaped" further sanction by the FFA for stamping on Adelaide United defender, Daniel Mullen, while challenging for the ball. Due to the referee seeing the incident during the match, as according to A-League protocol, the Match Review Panel had no authority to intervene any further.{{cite news|url=http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/96515,muscat-escapes-over-stomping.aspx?r=rss|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120701132053/http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/96515,muscat-escapes-over-stomping.aspx?r=rss|url-status=dead|archive-date=1 July 2012|title=Muscat Escapes Over 'Stomping'|work=Australian FourFourTwo|publisher=Haymarket Media|date=16 February 2009|access-date=17 September 2017}}

In January 2010, Muscat was suspended for two games for elbowing Gold Coast United midfielder, Jason Culina, in an off the ball incident.{{cite news|url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com.au/news/bleiberg-will-cop-sanction-sweet-165978|title=Bleiberg will cop sanction sweet|work=Australian FourFourTwo|publisher=Haymarket Media|agency=Sportal Australia|date=30 January 2010|access-date=17 September 2017|archive-date=17 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170917125409/https://www.fourfourtwo.com.au/news/bleiberg-will-cop-sanction-sweet-165978|url-status=dead}}

In October 2010, Manchester United winger Ashley Young recalled he was threatened by Muscat during his first professional match as an 18-year-old. "Kevin Muscat said he would break my legs if I went past him," said Young. Their meeting occurred as they were warming up for an encounter between Watford and Millwall back in September 2003, but Muscat was sent off for stamping on Watford's Danny Webber before Young came on as substitute for Watford.{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/3084070.stm|title=Watford 3–1 Millwall|date=13 September 2003|via=news.bbc.co.uk}}

In January 2011, Muscat was sent off for elbowing Adelaide United midfielder Adam Hughes in the face while following through on a challenge for the ball.{{Cite news |title=Muscat off as Victory thumped |last=Howcroft |first=Jonathan |date=10 January 2011 |work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|quote=If clawing back a two-goal deficit wasn't difficult enough, Victory was forced to play the final 25 minutes without Muscat. Just eight minutes after his first caution, he tangled with Hughes and a swinging arm floored the Adelaide midfielder, earning the feisty defender his marching orders.}}

In his first match back from suspension, Muscat was then suspended for eight matches following a tackle on Melbourne Heart player Adrian Zahra in a Melbourne Derby.{{cite news|url=http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/194389,muscat-remorse-over-tackle.aspx|title=Muscat remorse over tackle|work=Australian FourFourTwo|publisher=Haymarket Media|date=23 January 2011|access-date=17 September 2017|archive-date=27 January 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110127201053/http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/194389,muscat-remorse-over-tackle.aspx|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|title=Muscat gets 8 game suspension|url=http://www.theage.com.au/sport/a-league/muscat-gets--8-game-suspension-20110127-1a6vn.html|access-date=27 January 2011|newspaper=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|location=Melbourne|date=27 January 2011|first1=Dominic|last1=Bossi}} The tackle was widely condemned in Australia and around the world, with former Socceroo Mark Bosnich calling it a "disgrace".{{cite news|work=Daily Telegraph|location=Sydney|date=25 January 2011|title=Kevin Muscat tackle a blight on game|access-date=16 August 2011|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/kevin-muscat-tackle-a-blight-on-game/story-e6freyar-1225993911718}}{{cite news|work=Daily Telegraph|location=Sydney|date=27 January 2011|title=World awaits Kevin Muscat's penalty|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/soccer/world-awaits-kevin-muscats-penalty/story-e6frey4r-1225995032522}}

In a professional career spanning 19 years from 1992 to 2011, Muscat received 123 yellow cards and 12 red cards.http://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=9541&season_id=134 Soccerbase statisticshttp://www.melbournevictory.com.au/default.aspx?s=mvfc_playerprofile_item&pid=258{{dead link|date=January 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} A-League statisticsAFC Champions League ACL

In December 2013, the Spanish football website El Gol Digital named Muscat as football's dirtiest ever player.{{cite news| url=http://www.theage.com.au/sport/soccer/kevin-muscat-named-footballs-dirtiest-player-20131212-2z8r4.html |first=Dominic|last=Bossi|date=12 December 2013 | location=Melbourne | work=The Age |publisher=Fairfax Media| title=Kevin Muscat named football's dirtiest player|access-date=17 September 2017}}

File:Melbourne Victory Chairman Anthony Di Pietro with Melbourne Victory coach Kevin Muscat.jpg at the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium in October 2013.]]

For the final two years of his playing career, Muscat served as a playing assistant coach under Ernie Merrick.{{cite web|last1=Davutovic|first1=David|title=Melbourne Victory unveil former skipper Kevin Muscat as new coach on two-year deal|url=http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/football/melbourne-victory-unveil-former-skipper-kevin-muscat-as-new-coach-on-two-year-deal/story-fnk6pqha-1226749884875|work=The Advertiser|publisher=News Corporation|date=31 October 2013|access-date=24 May 2016}}{{cite web|last1=Lynch|first1=Michael|date=30 October 2013|title=Kevin Muscat to coach Melbourne Victory|url=http://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/kevin-muscat-to-coach-melbourne-victory-20131030-2wh4e.html|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|publisher=Fairfax Media|access-date=24 May 2016}} Due to a clause in his contract with Melbourne Victory, which made him an assistant coach at Melbourne Victory for the next two years after his retirement,{{cite news|first=Grantley|last=Bernard|date=15 February 2011|url=http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/kevin-muscat-expected-to-announce-he-is-retiring/story-e6frecj3-1226006702081|work=The Advertiser|publisher=News Limited|title=Melbourne Victory captain Kevin Muscat will retire after Asian Champions League}} Muscat began serving as an assistant coach at Melbourne Victory shortly after his retirement from football. After Mehmet Durakovic was sacked after a poor run of results, Muscat was appointed as the caretaker coach of Melbourne Victory until he was succeeded by former Ipswich Town and Queens Park Rangers manager Jim Magilton. In his only game as Victory manager, Melbourne Victory defeated the Newcastle Jets 2–1, with two own goals from defender Byun Sung-Hwan.{{cite web|url=http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/228166,gve-jets-must-be-more-ruthless.aspx |title=GVE: Jets Must Be More Ruthless |date=8 January 2011 |work=Australian FourFourTwo |publisher=Haymarket Media|access-date=9 January 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120111055346/http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/228166%2Cgve-jets-must-be-more-ruthless.aspx |archive-date=11 January 2012 }}

After an underwhelming tenure as Melbourne Victory manager, in which he recorded just two wins in 12 matches, Magilton left the Victory at the conclusion of the 2011–12 A-League{{cite news|first=David|last=Davutovic|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/football/interim-coach-jim-magilton-departs-from-melbourne-victory/story-e6frfg8x-1226315776836|work=Herald Sun|publisher=News Limited|title=Interim coach Jim Magilton departs from Melbourne Victory|date=1 April 2012|access-date=17 September 2017}} with Brisbane Roar manager Ange Postecoglou taking the reins at Victory for the beginning of the 2012–13 A-League season, signing a three-year contract.{{cite web|url=http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/news-display/Postecoglou-confirmed-as-Victory-coach/47061 |date=26 April 2012|title=Postecoglou confirmed as Victory coach|publisher=Football Federation Australia|agency=Sportal |access-date=28 October 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029222224/http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/news-display/Postecoglou-confirmed-as-Victory-coach/47061 |archive-date=29 October 2013 }} After a relatively successful first season in charge of the Victory, in which the Victory finished 3rd on the A-League ladder, and made it to the semi-finals of the A-League finals, Postecoglou was appointed the new manager of Australia,{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-10-23/ange-postecoglou-to-coach-socceroos/5040996|title=Ange Postecoglou unveiled as Socceroos coach, wants to restore pride to national side|work=ABC News|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|date=24 October 2013|access-date=17 September 2017}} with Postecoglou departing the Victory after their Round 3 win against Postecoglou's former club, Brisbane Roar. Having served under four managers since his appointment as assistant coach,{{cite web|title=Kevin Muscat appointed as new Melbourne Victory coach|date=31 October 2013|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/oct/31/kevin-muscat-new-melbourne-victory-coach|work=The Guardian|agency=AAP|access-date=24 May 2016}} Muscat was subsequently appointed as Postecoglou's successor on 31 October 2013, three games into the 2013–14 season, on a two-year contract.{{cite news| url=http://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/kevin-muscat-confirmed-as-melbourne-victory-coach-in-twoyear-deal-20131031-2wiwy.html | work=The Sydney Morning Herald | first=Michael |last=Lynch|date=31 October 2013|title=Kevin Muscat confirmed as Melbourne Victory coach in two-year deal|access-date=17 September 2017}}{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-10-31/kevin-muscat-named-melbourne-victory-coach/5060128|title=Kevin Muscat named Melbourne Victory coach replacing new Socceroos mentor Ange Postecoglou|work=ABC News|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|date=31 October 2013|access-date=17 September 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/news-display/kevin-muscat-appointed-victory-coach/77696|title=Kevin Muscat appointed Victory coach|publisher=Football Federation Australia|date=31 October 2013|access-date=17 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104042141/http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/news-display/kevin-muscat-appointed-victory-coach/77696|archive-date=4 November 2013}}

File:Muscat 2015 FFA Cup Victory Adelaide.jpg

In his first full season as Melbourne Victory manager, and just his second year in charge of the club, Muscat guided Melbourne Victory to an A-League premiership-championship double in 2015, the Victory's third A-League premiership/championship double. Under Muscat, the Victory finished with a regular season record of 15 wins 8 draws and 4 losses, with a final points tally of 53 points, three points ahead of second placed Sydney FC and a final goal difference of +25, the highest of any club that season. Muscat guided the Victory to a 3–0 win over Melbourne City in the semi-finals, before recording a 3–0 win over Sydney FC at AAMI Park.

In June 2017, Muscat, along with Darren Davies and Ross Aloisi, were called up by Ange Postecoglou to serve as members of Australia's coaching staff for the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup.{{cite web|title=Kevin Muscat, Ross Aloisi, Darren Davies Socceroos' coaching staff|url=http://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/kevin-muscat-ross-aloisi-darren-davies-socceroos-coaching-staff-20170601-gwi5k0.html|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=June 2017 |publisher=Fairfax Media|agency=AAP|access-date=17 September 2017}}{{cite web|last1=Davutovic|first1=David|title=Victory coach Kevin Muscat and Roar assistant Ross Aloisi join Socceroos coaching staff for Confederations Cup|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/football/victory-coach-kevin-muscat-and-roar-assistant-ross-aloisi-join-socceroos-coaching-staff-for-confederations-cup/news-story/f02084c7c69e5e8df5b891e4fed80592|work=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corporation|access-date=17 September 2017}}

On 5 June 2020 Muscat was announced as the manager for Belgian First Division A team Sint-Truidense V.V., however just six months later he was sacked due to poor results.{{cite news |title=STVV ontslaat coach Muscat, Hollerbach in poleposition als opvolger|trans-title=STVV sacks manager Muscat, Hollerbach in poleposition as replacement|url=https://sporza.be/artikels/stvv-ontslaat-coach-muscat-hollerbach-in-poleposition-als-opvolger~1606855158462/|publisher=sporza.be|date=2020-12-01|language=nl}}

Muscat was appointed manager of Yokohama F. Marinos in July 2021, succeeding Ange Postecoglou as he had at Melbourne Victory, and won the J1 League title in 2022.[https://www.footballaustralia.com.au/news/kevin-muscat-appointed-manager-yokohama-f-marinos Kevin Muscat appointed manager of Yokohama F. Marinos] Chris Curulli, Football Australia (19 July 2021)

On 17 December 2023 Muscat was appointed manager of Shanghai Port following the departure of Javier Pereira.{{Cite web |date=17 December 2023 |title=官方：澳大利亚籍教练穆斯卡特出任海港主帅 (Official: The Australian coach Muscat has been appointed the head coach of Shanghai Port) |url=https://www.titan24.com/publish/app/data/2023/12/17/500126/os_news.html |access-date=17 December 2023 |website=Titan Sports}} Under his management, Shanghai Port won the 2024 Chinese Super League season by finishing ahead of their inter-city rivals Shanghai Shenhua by a slim point,{{cite web | url=https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/kevin-muscat-wins-title-third-34021072 | title=Kevin Muscat wins title in third different country | date=2 November 2024 }} as well as winning the 2024 Chinese FA Cup.

{{notelist}}

International appearances

{{NFT|429|name=Kevin Muscat|accessdate=27 January 2011}}

International goals

{{updated|match played 28 February 2025}} {{cite web|title=Kevin Muscat|url=http://aleaguestats.com/ALeagueStats_41_32CoachingHistory.html|publisher=ALeague Stats|access-date=12 January 2017}}{{cite web|title=Kevin Muscat|url=https://www.sofascore.com/manager/kevin-muscat/24699|publisher=Sofascore|access-date=22 July 2024}}

South Melbourne FC

• National Soccer League Premiers: 1992–93{{Cite web|title=South Melbourne Football Club Honours|url=https://www.smfc.com.au/club-honours|access-date=2021-09-19|language=en-US}}
• NSL Cup: 1995–96
• Dockerty Cup: 1993, 1995

Crystal Palace

• Football League First Division play-offs: 1997

Rangers

• Scottish Premier League: 2002–03
• Scottish Cup: 2002–03
• Scottish League Cup: 2002–03

Millwall

• FA Cup runner-up: 2003–04

Melbourne Victory

• A-League Championship: 2006–07, 2008–09
• A-League Premiership: 2006–07, 2008–09
• A-League Pre-Season Challenge Cup: 2008–09

Australia

• FIFA Confederations Cup: runner-up, 1997;{{Cite web |url=https://www.fifa.com/confederationscup/matches/round=1984/match=17489/index.html |title=Archived copy |access-date=October 14, 2024 |archive-date=June 18, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190618001151/https://www.fifa.com/confederationscup/matches/round%3D1984/match%3D17489/index.html |url-status=dead }} 3rd place, 2001{{Cite web |url=http://www.fifa.com/confederationscup/archive/koreajapan2001/teams/team=43976/index.html |title=Archived copy |access-date=October 14, 2024 |archive-date=January 22, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160122105959/http://www.fifa.com/confederationscup/archive/koreajapan2001/teams/team=43976/index.html |url-status=dead }}
• OFC Nations Cup: 2000{{Cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tables/00oc.html|title=Oceania Nations Cup 2004|access-date=October 14, 2024}}

Individual

• FFV Weinstein Medal: 1990
• NSL Young Player of the Year: 1993
• NSL Papasavas Medal (U-21): 1991–92
• Melbourne Victory Medal: 2005–06, 2006–07, 2008–09
• A-League PFA Team of the Season: 2008–09, 2009–10
• PFA A-League Team of the Decade (2005–15)

Melbourne Victory

• A-League Championship: 2014–15, 2017–18
• A-League Premiership: 2014–15
• FFA Cup: 2015

Yokohama F. Marinos

• J1 League: 2022
• J1 League Runner-up: 2021, 2023
• Japanese Super Cup: 2023

Shanghai Port F.C.

• Chinese Super League: 2024
• Chinese FA Cup: 2024
• Chinese Super Cup Runner-up: 2025

Individual

• A-League Coach of the Year: 2014–15

{{Reflist}}

• [https://web.archive.org/web/20120502155812/http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/melbournevictory/coaches/Kevin-Muscat/42 Melbourne Victory profile]
• [http://www.ozfootball.net/ark/Players/M/MR.html OzFootball profile]
• {{Soccerbase}}

{{Shanghai Port F.C. squad}}

{{Chinese Super League managers}}

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{{NSL awards}}

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Muscat, Kevin}}

Category:1973 births

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