Marcus Heikkinen

Marcus Heikkinen

Born in Katrineholme, Sweden, Markus started playing football in neighbouring Finland, for Oulun Palloseura, Turun Palloseura, Myllykosken Pallo and then HJK Helsinki as a defensive midfielder. He got his first taste of British Football through a loan to Portsmouth in 2003, although Markus only played twice, Portsmouth were promoted to the Premier League. Upon the expiration of his contract at HJK Helsinki, Markus was tempted to dip a toe into British Football further and opted to join Aberdeen, where he became a crucial player in the heart of midfield, with tough tackling and dependable displays. Aberdeen Manager tried and failed to get Markus to sign new deals repeatedly, however, Markus was looking to move further south and joined Luton Town on a free transfer ahead of the 2005/06 season. 

Markus was a key figure in the Luton Town team that finished 10th in The Championship, forming a key partnership in the centre of defence with Chris Coyne. Markus collected four awards at the end of the season; Player of the Year, Players’ Player of the Year, Internet Player of the Season and the Luton News Player of the Season, a fine season, where he was almost ubiquitous for Luton Town, playing 40 league games. The 2006/07 season was a tough season both on and off the pitch for Luton Town. Just after the Christmas period, Markus was feared to have a season ending injury after a robust challenge from Birmingham’s Fabrice Muamba, fortunately it only kept Markus out for a month, allowing Markus to finish the rest of the season, which ended in relegation from the Championship, with a lot of the team core having been sold during the season, including Markus’ centre back partner, Chris Coyne. 

Markus moved to Rapid Vienna in Austria where he was once again a key player, making 170 appearances during 6 seasons with the club, before moving to Norway to play for Start, and then moving back to HJK Helsinki before signing on as a player-coach for AC Oulu in Finland, where he became the Sporting Director following the conclusion of his playing career.