Season Review - Perth
Posted by Jasper Reed in A-League, Perth Glory | 12 March 2006
Nickname; Glory
Manager: Alan Vest (England)
Home Strip: All Purple
Final League Position: 5th
How did they do?: Not nearly well enough. Perth were favourites to at least make the Grand Final. Along with Adelaide, the Glory were standard bearers for the new competition, the model on which all others were formed. Unlike Adelaide, they took a giant step backwards. Champions of the old NSL in 2003 and 2004, the Perth fans are used to success and, more importantly, flowing football. They got neither under the dour Steve McMahon, and the professional scouser was the first manager to be sacked in December. Long time Perth assistant Alan Vest was given the top job but is no more secure than his predecessor, and with the likes of ex Australia boss Frank Farina making noises about getting back into the game, Vest needs a good start next season.
Star Player: Bobby Despotovski/Damien Mori; Vest righted some of McMahon's wrongs by bringing back NSL legend Damien Mori as assistant coach, and reuniting him with the prolific Despotovski. Despite a combined age of 69 these 2 are easily the finest forward line ever to line up in the local league.
You may also have heard of: Mich D'Avray (former Ipswich striker, former manager and now 'Technical Manager', Stuart Young (Arsenal, Hull), Sinon Colosimo (Man City). Brian Deane (Sheffield United and Leeds) left the club shortly after Steve McMahon, and Steve McMahon junior.
What do they need Perth have begun to rejuvinate thier aging squad by signing Jeremy Christie from New Zealand, but after a sspate of retirements will really need to recruit young talent all over the park
Little Known Fact: Damien Mori was refused entry to the field of play in December when an eagle eyed offical spotted he was still wearing his wedding ring. Perth kicked off with 10 men but, after 5 minutes of tugging and fairly gruesome blood letting, Mori had to be substituted for Brian Deane (yes, that Brian Deane). Many Perth fans wanted to wait until at least half time.....
