Joe Angele

Joe Marco 'Joe' Angele is an Italian-Australian businessman, and retired association football (soccer) player. Angele is most recognised for playing as a defender for Heidelberg United in the mid 1980s in the defunct National Soccer League.^[1]

Early life

Descending from the Italian community of Melbourne, Angele was born to Italian immigrants who would later establish the renowned Brunetti's cafe, formerly situated on Faraday street, Carlton. Angele worked at the family business during high school, and whilst playing semi-professionally for Heidelberg United's Victorian state squad between 1980-1983.^[2][3][4][5]

Career

At the conclusion of the 1983 state division three season, Angele was promoted to Heidelberg United's National Soccer League squad for the 1984 season. His debut came in the first round of the season on 4 March 1984, starting against Hellenic rivals South Melbourne Hellas in front of 11,000 spectators at Middle Park, in what finished in a 2-0 loss.^[6] At the season's end, United finished second in the Southern Conference^[7] with Angele making a total of twenty-one starts and two substitutions off bench, thus progressing to the playoffs. Angele played in all four of United's matches in the playoffs, against Melbourne Croatia both times in preliminary and qualifying final matches, Brisbane Lions in the minor semi-final, and Hellas in the conference final in front of 15,000 spectators. United finished fourth place overall in the combined ranking of the national competition.^[8] The 1985 season saw another consistent season from Angele, making a total of twenty starts out of a possible twenty-two, with United finishing third in the Southern conference^[9] and seventh in the national conference, with Angele making two more appearances against Preston Makedonia where Angele scored an his first own goal, and Brunswick Juventus.^[10] The 1986 season would be Angele's last for the club and in his professional career, making only six appearances in a possible twenty-three in total. His first match was in round two on 7 April 1986 where he would start against Hellas in a 1-0 win at Middle Park.^[11] Angele's last ever match was round eight of the season on 26 May 1986 against Juventus in a 4-1 loss. Angele did not feature in the finals despite United finishing fifth in the Southern conference.^[12] It is believed Angele retired completely from the game at the season's conclusion.

Career Statistics

As of professional matches played 19 April 2016

Personal life

Following his retirement from football, Angele became and is currently an architect. Angele's most notable architectural work is the current layout of family business Brunetti's cafe when it moved from its founding home on Faraday Street to the more recognized Lygon Street.^[16]

Honours

Club

Heidelberg United

• National Soccer League Premiership Runners-Up - Southern Conference: 1984

References