Chris Coyne

Chris Coyne is an Australian professional football(soccer) player who plays for Colchester United F.C. as club captain and for the Australian national football team. His position is centre back.

Club career

Coyne, who is the older brother of Jamie Coyne of Perth Glory FC, started his career with Australia side Perth SC. He was part of the Hammers youth team that reached the FA Youth Cup final.

After only one appearance for West Ham, and unsuccessful loan spells at Brentford F.C. and Southend United F.C., Coyne moved to Dundee F.C. on a free transfer. Even there, it took him four months to break into the first team, and at the end of the season, Luton Town F.C. signed him for £50,000.

He was then able to successfully establish himself as Luton's first choice centre back, and quickly became a favourite with the fans. In the 2004–05 season, Coyne was named in the PFA League One Team of the Season for his performances in helping Luton win League One. In addition, he was the deputy captain for that season, and with the departure of former club captain Kevin Nicholls, Coyne was given the honour of being named Luton's new captain. After Luton went into administration during the 2007–08 season, Coyne was sold to Colchester United F.C. in January 2008, for a Colchester club record transfer fee of £350,000. Coyne was named Colchester United club captain on 30 July 2008.

International career

Coyne was brought into the Australia national football (soccer) team squad for the recent World Cup qualifiers against Iraq national football team and Qatar national football team, and started his debut match in a 0-1 defeat to the Iraqis in Dubai. After arriving in camp and instantly ordering experienced internationals around the pitch, Socceroos manager Pim Verbeek has since praised Coyne for his attitude, saying "He's an experienced player, he knows what he's doing and he's made a good impression on us. He's a leader. He's a very good header, he's never in panic."

He has since kept his place in matches against South Africa and in Australia's win over The Netherlands on 7th September, 2008. He put in a strong performance against Uzbekistan in Australia's 1-0 victory in their opening final stage pool game for the 2010 world cup on the 10th of September 2008. Earning great praise from Pim Verbeek and socceroos captain Lucas Neill. He is now competing with Matthew Spiranovic, Michael Beauchamp, Jade North and Craig Moore who has recently come out of international retirement for the centre back position alongside Lucas Neill.