Perth Glory have not managed to become a force to be reckoned with over past seasons, but the team often labelled a mid-table side could look vastly different in 2018-19.
Perth Glory’s biggest issue in recent years is their poor defensive record. Over the past two seasons Perth have leaked the most goals in the competition, conceding on average two goals per game.
In comes Tony Popovic
Tony Popovic, a decorated former Socceroos defender, has proven his coaching credentials, having led Western Sydney Wanderers to three A-League grand finals and guided them to become the first Australian club to win the Asian Champions League in 2013-14.
A stint in Turkey’s top division coaching Karabukspor didn’t work out, however, and in May 2018 it was announced he had signed a three-year deal with Perth Glory.
“We want to try and take the club to another level, try and get that consistency where the club is making their members and their fans proud on a regular basis, where they are challenging for honours,” Popovic said.
Popovic is shrewd tactically and has a clear vision of what he wants to achieve at the club. Players know exactly where they stand with him, and if they don’t meet the standard set. they won’t be in the first team.
(Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
What will the new Perth Glory look like?
A bunch of major signings have occurred in the off-season and the squad on paper looks extremely hard to beat.
Ahead of the 2018-19 season the Glory have signed Ivan Franjic, Tomislav Mrcela, Brendon Santalab, Matthew Spiranovic, Tando Velaphi, Fabio Ferreira, Jason Davidson and Juan de Dios Prados Lopez (Juande).
With Adam Taggart the only major departure, the squad has only been strengthened.
Perth Glory current squad
Liam Reddy, Dino Djulbic, Alex Grant, Shane Lowry, Scott Neville, Jake Brimmer, Jacob Italiano, Neil Kilkenny, Joel Chianese, Chris Harold, Andy Keogh, Fabio Ferreira, Diego Castro, Ivan Franjic, Tomislav Mrcela, Brendon Santalab, Matthew Spiranovic, Tando Velaphi, Jason Davidson, Juan de Dios Prados Lopez (Juande).Perth Glory best XI
Liam Reddy (GK)
Ivan Franjic (RWB), Matthew Spiranovic (CB), Tomislav Mrcela (CB), Shane Lowry (CB), Jason Davidson (LWB)
Juande (CM), Neil Killkeny (CM)
Fabio Ferreira (RW), Diego Castro (LW)
Andy Keogh (ST)
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Will Popovic’s Plan Work?
It certainly has the potential to work. With the many signing made in the off-season, the defensive issues look to have been mended.
Scoring goals have not been so much of an issue in recent years, and with the addition of players like Ferreira and Santalab, both of whom can make an impact from the get-go, it shouldn’t be much of a concern this year either.
Popovic looks a determined man who has a clear outlook of what he aims to achieve at the club. He has made a lot of positive moves so far and has provided the fans with a lot of excitement for the season ahead.
Only time will tell if Popovic has managed to revive the fallen Perth Glory FC.
The Phantom Commissioner
Roar Rookie
As stated by others we are looking a little light in attack, having said that Poppa has had success with fairly average strike forces in the past so heres hoping. We'll need the likes of Ferriera to chip in with goals which he's very capable of if he stays fit.
At work
Roar Rookie
Probably is John, that if we know Poppa well he won't go out and get another striker. He will rely on what he has, remember his best striking option for most of his period at WSW was Bridge :/
john richardson
Guest
i have followed this average club now for 5 seasons, and hopefully this season brings on field success the club deserves. the new signings look good, but the club is still missing the killer punch ( a quality striker ) the main issue i have as the no2 supporter is the club lacks money. i dont think they will win the championship this year as they have ageing strikers in andy k and b santalab. i wish the club the best of luck this season as i am a current member for the 2018/2019 season. go glory.
At work
Roar Rookie
What castro wouldn’t start? The Perth faithful should expect something quite opposite of what they’ve experienced for a while now under Kenny. A more structured side which is defensively strong at the expense of goals (if we’re to use WSW as a baseline). But I would expect if it produces consistent good results which I’m betting it does they should be satisfied.
Midfielder
Guest
I hope so Glory showed us all the forward and Nick Tanna should receive lots of credit... JON messed up his dealing with the shed and sent their crowds down ... Good luck to PG, always have a soft spot for them for what they did for Football
Nick Symonds
Guest
"Perth Glory have not managed to become a force to be reckoned with over past seasons, but the team often labelled a mid-table side could look vastly different in 2018-19." In the EPL most people would be happy enough with a 5th or 6th placed finish, but it quite doesn't work in a 10 team league. They're only a "mid-table side" over here. But they have had a good start in Malaysia beating Sarawak 7-1. https://www.a-league.com.au/news/glory-hit-seven-claim-symposium-cup
RF
Guest
Agree on the assessments of Perth's front line. Aging or not quite good enough. Keogh is a shadow of the player he was three years ago, and Castro is declining fast. I've been very surprised that Popa hasn't been more active in looking for another influential striker. Sure as hell Santalab, going on 36, isn't it. I very much hope they are competitive. A strong Perth Glory would add a huge amount to the A League.
Lionheart
Guest
Their biggest advantage remains their home ground, but surely they can do better even at home than some of the rather average games they had last season.
Bobbym
Guest
He can if Glory invest in a top striker.
Aethelbert
Guest
Popovic has a reputation for signing reliable A-League talent and such a backbone will be good for Perth, I expect a top 4 finish for them. I'm interested to see what Juande brings, as they say "When Popovic sings a foreign player, the gods flip a coin"
Franko
Guest
Not sure they will be going a 5-2-2-1 Would expect: 4-3-3 Liam Reddy (GK) Ivan Franjic (RB), Matthew Spiranovic (CB), Tomislav Mrcela (CB), Jason Davidson (LB) Juande (CM), Jake Brimmer (CM) Neil Killkeny (CM) Fabio Ferreira (RW), Diego Castro (LW) Andy Keogh (ST) Also expect they will be challenging for silverware.
Fadida
Guest
They look excellent at the back but light in attack. Keogh is on the decline, Santalab too. Castro will surely be less effective, Ferreira has always been hit and miss. Chianese and Harold likewise. Italiano has great potential but isn't going to be a match winner yet
Tim Cloodings
Guest
Good read. I think Perth Glory will do quite well this year but can’t see them winning.