THE LJUB MOBILE HAS TAKEN OFF.

Last week's news that former Socceroo Ljubo Milicevic had left Perth Glory before the start of the season was surprising to say the least. On the eve of the 2013/14 A-League season, Milicevic seemed destined to don the Purple and White Colours for Perth this season. That was until last Thursday (October 3), when Perth Glory announced that the club and Milicevic had parted ways. While it may seem quite peculiar to join a club then leave without ever playing, this sort of thing is not uncommon and has happened quite a few times in Football. Today, Inside the Box FC will look at the Top 5 Dud Signings who were never given any game time.

5) Steve Horvat





















The name Steve Horvat wouldn't immediately ring any bells for the vast majority of Football fans out there. In an era of Great Australian players like Mark Viduka, Harry Kewell, Paul Okon, Robbie Slater and Mark Bosnich, it's easy to see why Horvat's name was forgotten over time. Having been a mainstay in the Socceroos side between 1994-2002, Horvat played for various clubs like Melbourne Knights (1994-95) Hadjuk Split (1995-96) and Carlton FC (1996-98) before making the big leap to England after signing with Crystal Palace FC. After a year of sitting on the bench, Horvat left Palace in 1999 to return to Australia where he would ultimately finish his career. During his time at Palace, he failed to register a single appearance for the club. One must wonder what on Earth enticed the London club to sign Horvat, as they clearly had no plans to play him in the Starting 11 side.


4) Ljubo Milicevic





















Ljubo Miliecevic (like many other successful Australian Footballers) came through the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) as a Teenager. He got his start in Professional Football after signing for Perth Glory FC in 1999. A year later he featured (and scored) in the Thrilling 2000 Grand Final match between Perth Glory and the Wollongong Wolves. After leaving Glory in 2001, Milicevic made the move to Switzerland, where he would stay for 6 years, playing for clubs like FC Zurich, FC Thun and BSC Young Boys. After returning to Australia in 2007, Milicevic played for various clubs like Melbourne Victory FC, Newcastle Jets and South Melbourne FC. After spending 2 years as a Free agent, Milicevic signed with his old club Perth Glory FC on August 19, 2013. Less than 2 months later it was announced that both Milicevic and Glory had parted ways.


3) Besart Berisha






















Besart Berisha spent the early years of his career in countries like Germany, Denmark and Norway, usually in the First or Second Division. Whilst playing for German side Hamburger SV in December 2006, Berisha created history by becoming the first Albanian Footballer to score in a European Champions League match. Just 5 months after this personal milestone and it was Berisha again who was making a name for himself. After turning in an impressive performance for Albania against the England B team, scouts were on the lookout and it wasn't long before Berisha was snapped by Burnley FC (who at the time were competing in the Championship). After suffering a serious knee injury during an International match against Malta, Berisha was sidelined for a year. Worse was to follow as, after spending 2 years on the sidelines, he was eventually sold off to German club Arminia Bielefeld without registering a single competitive match for Burnley.



2) David Unsworth





















Englishman David Unsworth spent a large part of his career playing at Centre Back for Everton FC throughout the 1990's and 2000's. Following a succesful season with West Ham United in 1997-98, Unsworth was approached by Birmingham club Aston Villa FC with a 3 Million Pound offer during the 1998 off season. Although he initially accepted the offer, the deal lasted barely a month as Unsworth was back at Everton FC just 4 weeks later. The Urban Legend surrounding Unsworth's failed Villa signing was down to Unsworth's wife, who told her husband if he stayed at Villa, he can expect to find his Dinner in the Bin every night. Whether or not this is true, It's surely one of the quickest and most obscure releases from a Transfer Deal in the History of Football.



1) Jason Culina





















As a Second Generation Footballer, Jason Culina was given all the breaks to become a Professional Footballer. His father Branko (who played Professional Football in Australia during the 1970's) coached young Jason at Sydney United then later on at Sydney Olympic. After enjoying a considerable amount of success as a Footballer in Holland for 9 years, Culina returned home in 2009 to play for newly created A-League glamour club Gold Coast United. Following a successful 2 year stint as United captain, Culina was lured by (wouldn't you know it) father Branko to join Newcastle Jets FC. Jason was purchased by the club on February 22, 2011 and while it seemed a Father/Son reunion was on the cards, this was laid to waste after it was revealed (several months later) that Branko had prior knowledge of Jason's long term knee injury, even before signing him. The Culinas were dealt with a double blow as Jason's contract was terminated before the start of the 2011/12 A-League season and Branko was stood down from his position as Head coach.


Written by Alex Stilianos.