In a decision that has come as a surprise to many Kiwi football fans, Brown, 31, will retire from all football after the Wellington Phoenix’s play-off run to take up an opportunity to study for a masters degree in management at either the London School of Economics or Cambridge University.
An almost constant presence in the All Whites line-up since his debut in 2004, Brown went on to make 30 appearances in ‘A’ internationals, captaining the team for 13 of those matches, including the entire 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup campaign.
Barring injury or suspension, Brown was one of the first names on Ricki Herbert’s team sheets and van Hattum says the midfielder’s role on and off the pitch should not be underestimated.
“Tim’s a home-grown talent that has not only been part of a wonderful era for the game, he’s been an integral part of the resurgence of football in New Zealand through the both the All Whites and Wellington Phoenix,” van Hattum says.
“He’s a passionate and intelligent man and he had universal respect from players, staff and administrators. I’m a little stunned that he won’t be a part of the All Whites on the road to Brazil but we respect his decision and wish him all the best as he chases a wonderful opportunity.”
In one of the more captivating chapters of his All Whites career, Brown made a typically spirited but nonetheless remarkable comeback to take his place in the 2010 FIFA World Cup squad despite suffering a shoulder injury against Australia just weeks out from the finals. But the combative midfielder did not take the field during New Zealand’s unbeaten run in South Africa.
That may have added more motivation to help the national team reach the 2014 finals in Brazil, a path that begins with June’s OFC Nations Cup, and Brown says the decision to retire was not one he made lightly.
“It is probably one of the most talented New Zealand sides that I can remember,” he says.
“It is a hugely exciting group. But when you embark on a journey like World Cup qualifying you have to give it everything. That’s what we did last time and we were rewarded.
“You can’t be half-hearted and if you are starting to think about other things, as I was, I couldn’t be certain I could give 100 per cent.”
Tim Brown – All Whites fact file
‘A’ internationals: 30
As captain: 13
All matches: 34
Debut: v Solomon Islands 31/5/2004
Last match: v Jamaica 29/2/2012
Story courtesy of New Zealand Football.
For more on New Zealand Football visit www.nzfootball.co.nz

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