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With the pressure on coach Ian Ferguson rising by the week, Perth Glory midfielder Travis Dodd says it’s time for the player group to stand tall and turn the A-League club’s fortunes around.
The Glory have slipped from equal first to a worrying seventh on the table following just one win from their past nine outings, prompting some fans to call on owner Tony Sage to sack Ferguson.
The besieged coach will be aiming to ease the pressure with a win over fellow strugglers Newcastle Jets at Ausgrid Stadium on Saturday night.
Dodd said the players were hurting just as much as Ferguson, and would do everything within their powers to propel the club back into finals contention.
“Of course when results aren’t going the way they should be, the coach is the one that cops a lot of flak,” Dodd said on Wednesday.
“But as far as the players are concerned, we support Fergie and it’s our job to go out there and get the job done.
“Whatever the formation or the shape or the tactics, it doesn’t matter. The players have a responsibility to go out there and do the job.
“We owe it to ourselves, the coach and the supporters.
“Everybody’s hurting at the moment.”
The Glory are sweating on the fitness of star striker Shane Smeltz, who underwent a scan on his groin on Wednesday after feeling tightness in the area last week.
Dodd said it was crucial for the Glory to remain in touch with the top six.
“All it takes is a couple of games to get back on track,” Dodd said.
“This week’s a great opportunity for us.
“Newcastle haven’t been travelling the best as well, so both teams have a lot to play for.”
Despite Glory’s poor on-field results, Dodd has been enjoying his time in Perth since making the switch from Adelaide, where he spent five seasons.
However, he does have a couple of complaints.
“The flies are disgusting and it’s been crazy with all the sharks at the beach,” the 31-year-old said with a laugh.
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