Perth Glory FC
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| Perth Glory FC | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Full name | Perth Glory Football Club | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Nickname(s) | Glory | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Founded | 1996 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ground | Members Equity Stadium, Perth |
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| Capacity | 18,450 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Chairman | Transitional Authority (FFA) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Manager | Ron Smith | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| League | A-League | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A-League 2005-06 | 5th | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Perth Glory FC is a football (soccer) club from Perth, Western Australia, based at the Members Equity Stadium, playing in the A-League. It is one of the four clubs in the new competition to have survived from the former National Soccer League. The other three surviving clubs are Adelaide United FC, Newcastle United and New Zealand Knights Football Club.
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[edit] History
[edit] Football in Perth (1977-1995)
Perth first showed interest in joining the National Soccer League in its inaugural year in 1977. However, a series of logistical problems and financial concerns meant that the league were not keen to include a Western Australian side. While the Western Australian state representative side continued to perform well in National and International cup competitions, the state continued to be unrepresented at a senior club level until 1994.
In 1994, a group of businessmen led by Joe Claudio formed the Perth Kangaroos IFC. The club competed in the 1994 Singapore Premier League along with the Darwin Cubs. At the time, there were visions of establishing an Asia-Pacific Super League which could become a sporting and financial empire in the East. It turned out to be a something of a farce. The Kangaroos finished the league season undefeated and easily won the Singapore league title. However with dwindling support and resources, the experiment proved to be a financial disaster and Perth Kangaroos IFC soon folded.
[edit] Foundation (1995-1998)
In 1995, another consortjium led by Nick Tana bidded for entry into the National Soccer League. Perth Glory were subsequently licensed for entry into the 1996/7 NSL season. From a relatively unheralded start, the club would develop beyond all expectations and establish the game in a state where Australian rules football dominated and Rugby league was about to fail.
In the first two seasons, coach Gary Marocchi won many fans with his bold attacking style. Initially believed to be nothing more than a token participant, Perth surprised many by only just missing the cut for the finals; finishing 7th and 8th in 1996-97 and 1997-98 respectively. The exciting style of "you score three, we score four" drew fans - including many British expatriates. The atmosphere was such that people attended games for the amusing chants coming from the shed end of the ground as much as the actual game.
[edit] A well-loved coach and heartbreaking failure (1999-2001)
Fan support was consolidated in the era of Bernd Stange. The former East German National coach became a media star, and finally took the team into the competition playoffs. The success of the team created record attendances along with record exposure in the local media. During Stange's reign, Perth Glory competed in its first ever NSL Grand Final in 1999/2000.
The 1999/2000 grand final is remembered as one of the most thrilling matches in NSL history. Earlier in the Championship Playoff series, Perth had narrowly beaten the Wollongong Wolves in a two-legged Major Semi Final - needing a dramatic 80th minute penalty and goal in extra time to advance. In the grand final, Perth again faced Wollongong and led 3-0 at half time against a miserable Wolves outfit; thinking the game was won, Stange substituted key Glory players Miller, Despotovski and Ergic. Yet, the Wolves rallied superbly and Perth experienced a series of defensive blunders to be pegged back to 3-3 at full time. Perth subsequently lost on penalties, but this defining moment galvanised the team and would be a motivating force for years to come.
In spite of the loss, the public were very fond of Stange. After a disappointing 2000/01 season, an attempt to replace Stange with Mich d'Avray, his assistant, failed due to supporter pressure. The backlash was so severe, that Tana had to front the crowd prior to a match to announce that Stange would see out the rest of his contract.
[edit] A quiet tactician (2001-2004)
Despite the flair of Stange's reign, it would take the more tactical approach of Mich d'Avray to finally win the NSL Championship. While less flamboyant than his predecessor, d'Avray successfully transformed the team with a different strategy to the previous coaches. The attacking 5-3-2, which saw almost as many goals conceded as scored, was replaced with a 4-4-2. Some may argue that the team began to play a less attractive form of the game, but nobody could argue with the results. In 2001/2, the team nearly went the entire season undefeated. d'Avray delivered Grand Final victories in 2002/3 and 2003/4. In the 2005/2006 season he was the Glory's Director of Football but after the club decided to hire the coaching services of Ron Smith and David Mitchell his services where no longer wanted within the club for the 2006/2007 season.
[edit] End of the National Soccer League (2003-2004)
It was around 2001 that the league showed signs of significant deterioration. A combination of central mismanagement, conflicts of interest and poor sponsorship would eventually lead to a government enquiry and the removal of the leadership of Soccer Australia. Eventually, the relaunched and renamed Football Federation Australia announced the creation of the A-League for 2005/6. The financial backing and business nous of chairman Nick Tana had ensured the viability and success of the club during the earlier dire times - and ensured it a place in the future of the game in Australia.
[edit] Disarray and turmoil (2005-06)
In 2005, it was announced that former Liverpool and England star Steve McMahon would be appointed as coach. The new season saw a complete overhaul of the playing squad, with Simon Colosimo and former Sunderland and Leeds striker Brian Deane as key signings. Other notable signings included future stars Nick Ward and Billy Celeski.
Early results in friendlies against local opposition were not great, but Perth became the first team to defeat Sydney FC, winning 1-0 in the semi-final of the 2005-06 Pre-season Cup before losing in the final 0-1 to the Central Coast Mariners. Perth's woeful recruiting strategy was soon evident with the early departure of star import Brian Deane after seven games. Another McMahon recruit, Northern Ireland junior international Neil Teggart, quit the club prior to the start of the regular season. Deane was replaced by Damian Mori, a former Perth Glory striker. Originally on a 3-game temporary contract, after some impressive performances Mori stayed for the rest of the season and finished with 7 goals.
However, the club continued to be dogged by problems which would only be later revealed to the public. Steve McMahon was subject to constant media criticism over his coaching style and was accused of nepotism by signing his son, Steve McMahon Jr, who was of questionable talent. Rumours also surfaced that players were planning to stage a revolt against the coach. On December 7, the club reported that the parties had "amicably" chosen to go separate ways.[1] On December 9, 2005, the club announced that assistant coach Alan Vest would move into the head coach role for the remainder of the season, with striker Damian Mori taking on a dual role as player-coach after being named as his assistant.[2]
The coach's departure was merely a symptom of deeper troubles. Poor performances saw Perth miss out on qualification for the finals for the first time since 1998. Dwindling support from chairman Nick Tana, as he looked to sell his 75% stake in the club, seemed to underpin a general decline in club fortunes. After the Round 20 match against Sydney FC, Alan Vest hinted that the current player group were incapable of achieving anything better and stated that "cliques" had been formed undermining club harmony. To cap off a bad season, Western QBE announced they were withdrawing as major sponsor after being associated with the club for 8 years.
[edit] Restructuring and progress (2006-07)
In March 2006, Football Federation Australia relieved owner Nick Tana of ownership and management of Perth Glory.
In July 2006, Australian international Stan Lazaridis signed a 2 year deal[3]. This was quickly followed by the appointment of Ron Smith as head coach and Michelle Phillips as CEO on July 26.[4] Unfortunately, star youth player Nick Ward did not honour his two year contract and defied the advice of the FFA and left for Queens Park Rangers in England.[5]
[edit] Colours and badge
Perth Glory's home strip is all-purple with orange trim on the sleeves and sides. As with all A-League clubs (excluding Melbourne Victory), the away strip is all-white with the club colours featuring on the sleves - purple with orange trim.
When Perth Glory was formed - in 1996 - the club felt it important to create a logo and name with no ethnic overtones and which symbolised the rebirth of soccer (football) in Western Australia[citation needed]. It was felt the name Perth Glory had broad appeal and a sense of history. The sunburst in the logo is characteristic of Perth in summer while the orange and purple colours were chosen in contrast to the more traditional combinations.
In 2004 when the A-League was launched, the club decided a new logo was needed for the new era of Perth Glory. The new logo retained the small 'Perth' in an arc above the larger 'Glory', with the letter 'O' still represented by a football. The orange and purple colours still stayed as did the sun rays. The previous logo had been used since the clubs inception in 1996 in the old NSL.
The FFA, who currently administer the Glory, have indicated an openness to changes to the Perth Glory name and colours.[6] This is not a popular move amongst Glory supporters. [7]
[edit] Stadium
Glory play their home games at Members Equity Stadium, which can hold just over 17,000 spectators.
[edit] Supporters
[edit] The Shed
The Shed is a covered terrace at the Northern (Pier Street) end of Members Equity Stadium.
The Glory Shed Supporters Club are the only organised Glory supporters group. Members of the GSSC inhabit 'The Shed'. The Glory Shed could be considered an ultras group and are known for their boisterous chanting and general support of the Perth Glory.
The GSSC arranges travel to at least one away game a season known as the 'Tour of Duty.' The Tour of Duty has been conducted since 2000 and has already achieved legendary status. Travelling fans are generally around 100 in number out of a GSSC membership of about 300.
[edit] Gloryboys.net
Gloryboys.net is an independent internet fan site known for it's outspoken stance on the running of the club. It has been particularly critical of the administration style of the FFA-appointed staff installed after the withdrawal of Nick Tana.[8]
In the past it has had ongoing feuds with fans of former NSL rivals Melbourne Knights and Sydney United, clubs with significant support from the Croatian community in Australia. The site was also critical of former SBS presenter Francis Awaritefe's apparent antipathy toward the Glory.[9]
[edit] Current squad
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Inj: Long term injury list. Can be replaced without squad size restriction penalty.
Repl: Short term replacement on monthly contract for those on injury list.
[edit] Transfers
- In
| Player | From | Fee | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
 Leo Bertos |
Worksop Town | - | - |
 Ryan Townsend |
Burnley | - | - |
| Mark Robertson |
Stockport County | - | - |
| Adrian Webster |
Darlington | - | - |
| Josip Magdic |
Floreat Athena | - | - |
| Jeremy Christie |
New Zealand Knights | - | - |
| Aleks Vrteski |
Australian Institute of Sport | - | - |
| Mimi Saric |
Adelaide Raiders | - | - |
| Luka Glavas |
Sydney United | - | - |
| Stan Lazaridis |
Birmingham City | - | 05 July 2006 |
| Paul Pezos |
Adelaide City | Loan | 20 Oct - 20 Nov 2006 |
- Out
| Player | To | Fee | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
 Adrian Caceres |
Melbourne Victory | - | 13 February 2006 |
| Scott Miller |
Released (Retired) | - | - |
| Billy Celeski |
Bulleen Zebras | - | - |
 Henry Fa'arodo |
Released (Essendon Royals) | - | - |
 Hiroyuki Ishida |
Released | - | - |
 Milan Jovanic |
Released | - | - |
 Stephen McMahon |
Released | - | - |
| Danny Hay |
Released - Vaeloma (BEL) | - | - |
| Nick Ward |
QPR | - | July 2006 |
[edit] Notable Current and Former Players
- Vinko Buljubasic: Sweeper (1996-1998). Became a club hero after suffering a broken leg during a match at Perth Oval.
- Vas Kalogeracos: Striker (1996-2000).
- Paul Strudwick: Midfielder (1996-2000).
- Ivan Ergic: Midfielder (1999-2000). Current Serbian International.
- Alistair Edwards: Striker (1999-2001). Capped for Australia.
- Ljubo Milicevic: Defender (1999-2001). Current Australian International.
- Tony Franken: Goalkeeper (1997-2004). Current Australia National Goalkeeping Coach.
- Gareth Naven: Midfielder, Defender (1996-2002). Inaugural captain.
- Scott Miller: Wingback (1996-2006). Capped for Australia.
- Danny Hay: Defender (1996-2001; 2006). Capped for New Zealand.
- Damian Mori: Striker (2000-2006). Capped for Australia, All time leading Australian international goalscorer (29).
- Nick Ward: Midfielder (2005-2006). Current Australian International.
- Bobby Despotovski: Striker (1996-). Leading Perth Glory goalscorer of all time. Capped for Australia.
- Jason Petkovic: Goalkeeper (2001-). Capped for Australia.
- Ernie Tapai: Midfielder (1997-1998). Capped for Australia.
- Gavin Wilkinson: Defender (1996-1999). Capped for New Zealand.
- Robert Zabica: Goalkeeper (1996). Capped for Australia.
[edit] Managers
- Gary Marocchi (1996-99)
- Bernd Stange (1999-2001)
- Mich d'Avray (2001-04)
- Steve McMahon (2005-06)
- Ron Smith (2006-present)
[edit] 2005-06
[edit] 2005-06 awards
[edit] Official A-League awards
- Johnny Warren Medal (Players Player of the Year)
- Rising Star Award (Best U-20 Player)
- Nick Ward (Perth)
- Fair Play Award
[edit] Perth Glory awards
- Most Glorious Player (MGP)
- Players' Player of the Year
- Supporters' Player of the Year
- WA Coach's Award
- Media Award
- Volunteers Player of the Year
- Club Man of the Year
- David Tarka -->
[edit] Perth Glory league history
| Season | P | W | D | L | F | A | Ladder Position |
Teams | Avg crowd |
Final Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005-06 | 21 | 8 | 5 | 8 | 34 | 29 | 5th | 8 | 9,734 | 5th |
| 2003-04 | 24 | 18 | 3 | 3 | 56 | 22 | 1st | 13 | 9,470 | 1st |
| 2002-03 | 24 | 16 | 2 | 6 | 48 | 22 | 2nd | 13 | 10,277 | 1st |
| 2001-02 | 24 | 16 | 7 | 1 | 52 | 23 | 1st | 13 | 12,832 | 2nd |
| 2000-01 | 28 | 16 | 7 | 5 | 67 | 33 | 3rd | 15 | 13,094 | 5th |
| 1999-00 | 34 | 19 | 7 | 8 | 60 | 42 | 1st | 16 | 12,001 | 2nd |
| 1998-99 | 28 | 16 | 5 | 7 | 62 | 37 | 3rd | 15 | 14,725 | 3rd |
| 1997-98 | 26 | 10 | 6 | 10 | 35 | 40 | 8th | 14 | 14,972 | 8th |
| 1996-97 | 26 | 8 | 5 | 8 | 48 | 41 | 7th | 14 | 11,909 | 7th |
[edit] Honours
- NSL
- Champions (2) (Finals Series winners): 2003, 2004
- Runners-up (2) (Losing Grand Finalist): 2000, 2002
- Premier (3) (League winners): 2000, 2002, 2004
- A-League Pre-season Cup
- Runners-up (1): 2005
[edit] Records
- Biggest winning margin: Perth Glory 6-0 Canberra Cosmos (3 November 1996)
- Biggest losing margin: Parramatta 6-0 Perth Glory (2 November 2004)
- Undefeated streak: 13 (29 April 2001 - 15 December 2001)
- Winning streak: 8 (7 October 2001 - 1 December 2001)
- Record attendance during regular season: 18,067 (vs South Melbourne FC - 15 November 1998)
- Record attendance during finals: 43,242 (vs Wollongong Wolves - 11 June 2000)
[edit] References
- ^ Glory and McMahon part ways www.perthglory.com.au, 7 December 2005. Retrieved 27 August 2006
- ^ Vest and Mori to take Glory forwards www.perthglory.com.au, 9 December 2005. Retrieved 27 August 2006
- ^ Stuart Watt. "Perth Glory: welcoming Stan home", Australian Broadcasting Corporation, 2006-08-23. Retrieved on 2006-11-01.
- ^ Tim Clarke. "Perth Glory name new A-League coach", ESPN, 2006-07-26. Retrieved on 2006-11-01.
- ^ "Midfielder Ward seals move to QPR", BBC Online, 2006-07-08. Retrieved on 2006-11-01.
- ^ There's no glory in changing club's name Matthew Hall, www.smh.com.au, 22 October 2006. Retrieved 25 October 2006.
- ^ The Death of Football as we know it Tom Niedrich, www.gloryboys.net, 19 October 2006. Retrieved 25 October 2006.
- ^ Are you Strong enoughwww.gloryboys.net 9 October 2006
- ^ Letter to Francis Awaritefewww.gloryboys.net 22 August 2005
[edit] External links
[edit] Official
[edit] Unofficial
- Bay of Glory - Another fan-based supporter's site
- Glory Boys - Unofficial fan-based site inc. message board
- Glory Shed Supporters Club - Supporters website
[edit] See also
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