It’s hard to believe that it’s been 15 years since Craig Moore left Rangers, the former Australian captain exiting in a cloud of Olympic controversy way back in 2005.
But this was not the end befitting a player who dedicated so much of his playing career to Ibrox – around 12 years – and who would go on to eventually captain the club.
Moore was a stalwart of the Rangers defence for what felt like a generation, with a young Aussie incarnation of the stopper first joining the club in the middle of 9IAR.
A prospective move to Crystal Palace collapsed at the midway point of his Rangers career and the Gers reaped the benefit as he quickly established himself as a leading figure in the Ibrox squad.
By the time Moore had begun captaining the third squad cycle that he played in during his tenure, he was an established Australian international and imposing Rangers figure.
The 6ft1 defender was known for the bravery in his tackling, his robust defending style and an ability to drive a team forward from the back.
During his time at Rangers, Moore became somewhat synonymous with the club and the legendary Aussie centre-half has never seen this as anything but a privilege.
“I had 12 years at Glasgow Rangers and it was obviously a fantastic honour to be able to play that length of time with such a great football club,” Moore told Rangers News.
“I was involved in three different squads in that period of time and had success with all of them so it was a great privilege.
“But there comes a stage in players’ careers that your time comes to an end and you have to find a new home, a new destination.”
Moore would go on to reunite with Dick Advocaat upon leaving Ibrox as he travelled across Europe to Germany with Borussia Monchengladbach.
Describing the Bundesliga as one of the most “exciting leagues even still today” and “a top-level”, Moore was on the verge of earning a three-year deal with the German outfit back in 2005.
But after Advocaat’s sudden resignation at the then newly built Borussia Park, the deal collapsed, and Moore was forced to look elsewhere with his contract expiring.
Craig would return to England – this time to play with Newcastle United – and whilst Moore was delighted to turn out for the Toon, it is a time tinged with frustration for the 51-cap Aussie defender.
“There was a little bit of uncertainty and nervousness which is part and parcel for footballers sometimes,” said Moore.
“But I then got the opportunity to sign a two-year contract with Newcastle United.
“I had a dream to play in the Premiership and finally I got that chance with a fantastic club like Newcastle United, who are a hugely supported club with passionate fans.
“Again, it was a great opportunity and an honour to play with such a well-supported football club.
“The only disappointing thing for me, and also probably for them, is that I was injured for the two years that I was there.
“I wasn’t really 100% fit for long enough even if I did play a decent enough amount of games, but I would’ve love to have played a bit more.”
From here Moore would return to Australia for a spell with Brisbane Roar before coming back to Europe for a brief stint in Greece for OV Kavala.
Since hanging up his boots, Moore has endeavoured to promote the game he loves in his home country.
Being one of the leading footballers to ever come out of Australia, the Socceroo went about investing in opportunity and grass-roots football Down Under.
Frustrations with a lack of traction and support in his attempts to grow football in his home nation saw Moore move into mentoring and eventually talent identification.
Working in the backroom staff with Australia at the World Cup in 2014 and the victorious 2015 Asia Cup campaign inspired Moore to earn more experience working in various roles in football.
After a couple of years as technical director at Brisbane Roar, Moore felt it best to move on and focus on other avenues due to disagreements over the direction of the club.
The defender does not believe that football is quite there in Australia yet, with the next few years being better served working closer to where the action is despite his passion for the game in Oz.
Having experienced the world of football agency first-hand as a player, Moore is determined to add another string to his bow by learning more about the world of football intermediaries.
“I wanted to learn around every facet of the game,” said Moore.
“I’ve been the player, the backroom staff, I’ve been a football Director, and now I’m also looking to complete that full 360 and learn about the agent’s game.
“It’s an important role within the game and education in any role is very important.
“So I’m looking to get that understanding by doing the world-leading JV Academy Course on agency and hopefully moving on to further education.”
As a result, Moore is now working closely with the John Viola Football Academy which has launched a unique online course designed to introduce people to the world of football agency.
The course is the first of its kind and introduces its students to a network of agents, the world of football agency and the necessary skills required to work in this area.
Even 15 years on from leaving Ibrox, the trusted defender shows the same adaptability which made him such a vital team member across three squads and all those seasons at Ibrox.
