Thomas Flögel
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Thomas Flögel (born 7 June 1971, in Vienna) is an Austrian former international football player, who is currently the sporting director of Austrian Regionalliga side First Vienna.
The son of former SK Rapid Vienna player Rudi Flögel, Thomas began his career with their local rivals FK Austria Vienna. He made his first-team break-through in 1990 and spent the next seven seasons at the Horr Stadium. During this time, the Violets won 3 consecutive League titles (1991-93) and the Austrian Cup in 1992 and 1994, while Flögel himself achieved international recognition, making his Austria debut in a 4-0 win over Lithuania in 1992. However, after a lean spell in the mid-1990s, during which FK Austria were over-shadowed by SV Salzburg, Flögel decided to try playing abroad, eventually signing for Scottish side Heart of Midlothian in 1997, after a trial with Dundee United.
Flögel enjoyed instant success with the Edinburgh club, helping them end a 36 year trophy drought by winning the Scottish Cup in 1998. Although initially considered a midfielder, Flögel displayed great versatility during his time with Hearts, and played in every outfield position during a five season-spell at Tynecastle. His consistent form earned him a recall to the Austria national side and he increased his cap tally to 37, in which time he scored 3 goals.
In 2002 Flögel returned to former club FK Austria, who were buoyed by significant investment from billionaire Frank Stronach, and won the Double in his first season back in Vienna. FK Austria's new financial clout ensured fierce competition for first-team places though, and after struggling to maintain his place in the team in 2004, Flögel moved to SV Pasching.
Flögel wound down his career with season-long spells with Pasching (2004-05) and VfB Admira Wacker Mödling (2005-06). He had intended to spend a final year playing for First Vienna, however a serious shoulder injury in only his 3rd game for the side forced his retirement. On the 4th September 2006 he was announced as First Vienna's new sporting director.
