cause there's no real PGFC stories today i want to find out who people think is Perth Glory's biggest rival?

Personally, i love it when we beat SFC, or any NSW team for that matter. Nothing against the people of NSW but i hate it when they get all the best events, their short road trips, getting heaps of socceroos matches etc. (repeat. no offence intended to anyone from NSW).

The club seems to bill MVFC as a blockbuster but i'm not too sure cause we have no real derbies.

Nikita Rukavytsya started his FC Twente career in fine style last night, with an assist in Jong Twente's 1-1 draw with Jong RKC Waalwijk.

The 21-year-old who joined the Dutch club from Perth Glory in late January played a full game for Twente's second team.

And on 80 minutes, with his side trailing, Rukavytsya got on the end of a cross and headed into the path of Romano Denneboom, who scored the equaliser for Twente.

According to the official FC Twente website, earlier in the contest Rukavytsya had wasted a good chance by going alone and firing into the RKC goalkeeper instead of using teammates in support. Nonetheless, it seems to have a been an okay start for the youngster.

Please...name the players you dislike very much-AND a reason please. I can only think of Joel Griffiths as one for opposing fans to hate. I can't think of any others.:-k

If South Coast get a team they could be a main rival to pick up from the Wolves v Glory rivalry.


Edited by A16Man: 9/2/2009 08:32:48 PM

Covic is an arrogant twat, for a start. Constantly blaming teammates for his own mistakes.

Milligan is laughable... "I want to play for a big club... so I'm playing for the Jets"

we can only hope they get it right down there

Rukavytsya makes A-League All-Star team

Recently-departed Perth Glory Nikita Rukavytsya is the only player from the club to make the A-League All-Star team named by Football Federation Australia today, with five players from Adelaide United included along with coach Aurelio Vidmar

The Reds, who narrowly missed out on the minor premiership to Melbourne, had goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic, defenders Cassio, Scott Jamieson and Sasa Ognenovski and midfielder Travis Dodd named in the squad, which was voted on by football fans.

Wellington’s Johnny Warren medallist and golden boot winner Shane Smeltz was named up front alongside Rukavytsya, who joined Dutch side FC Twente.

Former Central Coast midfielder Mile Jedinak, now with Turkish side Genclerbirligi, was also named as was Melbourne’s Costa Rican import Carlos Hernandez.

Queensland had two players included, Socceroos defender Craig Moore and promising winger Michael Zullo.

Disappointing seasons for the Newcastle Jets and Sydney FC were reflected in the poll, with neither club represented in the All-Star team.

Most of the players named are involved in this weekend’s semi-final second legs.

The Roar lead their minor semi-final against the Mariners 2-0 while the Victory have the same lead over Adelaide in the major semi.

A-League All-Stars: Eugene Galekovic (Adelaide United), Cassio, (Adelaide United), Scott Jamieson (Adelaide United), Craig Moore (Queensland Roar), Sasa Ognenovski (Adelaide United), Travis Dodd (Adelaide United), Mile Jedinak (Central Coast Mariners), Michael Zullo (Queensland Roar), Carlos Hernandez (Melbourne Victory), Shane Smeltz (Wellington Phoenix), Nikita Rukavytsya (Perth Glory). Coach: Aurelio Vidmar (Adelaide United).

Dadi an Aussie resident

Perth Glory star striker Eugene Dadi has been granted permanent Australian residency by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship.

The Ivorian, who is currently on loan to Swiss Super League side FC Vaduz, flew in to Perth during the week to sign off on the paperwork.

"It has been a very quick visit but it is nice to be back in Perth," he said before returning to his Liechtenstein-based team on Thursday.

"I'm glad that it has been sorted out, it is something that I believe is very good for my family and for the club."

"Everything has been great since coming to Western Australia and we knew straight away that it would be a wonderful place to raise a family and have a good life."

After scoring 10 goals this season, Dadi is hopeful his stint in Europe will turn him into more of an asset for the Glory in 2009/10.

Despite being granted permanent residency in Australia, the 35-year-old will still be able to fill one of Perth's foreign-player spots.

Shopping for Socceroos

Perth Glory Coach Dave Mitchell was on hand for Australia’s World Cup qualifier against Japan at Yokohama International Stadium last night and was more than just an interested spectator as he steps up the search for new players, including a potential marquee signing, for next season.

Mitchell has met with several current Socceroos players to discuss his vision for the future success of Perth Glory and said it has been a productive trip.

“It was great to be able to meet with the players face to face and to discuss their level of interest in coming back to the A-League and more specifically bringing them to Perth Glory,” Mitchell said.

“There isn’t that fear anymore that if you’re not playing in Europe you’re not in contention for the national team. Pim Verbeek (Socceroos coach) has given his support to players returning to Australia at the right time and it has certainly sparked the interest of several players,” said Mitchell.

Perth Glory has a solid base and the club’s coaching staff have been actively scouring the globe to find additional quality who can compliment the contracted players.

“The A-League is an attractive proposition as there will be more games next season with additional teams coming into the competition. There is also an opportunity to loan players to Asian sides in the lead-up to the World Cup in 2010 to ensure that players who are in contention for the national side can maintain their match sharpness.

“We’re looking at players who have indicated an interest in returning to Australia and are still playing at the highest level.

“We’re moving forward in a positive fashion in regards to our recruiting and will continue to work towards securing the talent we’ve identified as being able to have an impact for the club next season and onwards,” said Mitchell.

Perth Glory pursue Socceroos

Perth Glory are after current overseas-based Socceroos in a bid to strengthen their squad.

After losing striker Nikita Rukavytsya to Dutch club FC Twente, the Glory are after more quality players and are so keen to secure one that coach Dave Mitchell travelled to Japan to meet with potential targets whilst the Socceroos were there on World Cup qualifying duty.

It is believed Derby County striker Mile Sterjovski and Colchester United captain Chris Coyne are being pursued by the Glory.

“It was great to be able to meet with the players face to face and to discuss their level of interest in coming back to the A-League and more specifically bringing them to Perth Glory,” Mitchell said.

“There isn’t that fear anymore that if you’re not playing in Europe you’re not in contention for the national team.

“Pim Verbeek has given his support to players returning to Australia at the right time and it has certainly sparked the interest of several players.

“The A-League is an attractive proposition as there will be more games next season with additional teams coming into the competition.”

Returning stars may force Verbeek to re-evaluate A-League rating

PIM VERBEEK may have a dim view of the quality of the A-League, but he may be forced by circumstance to open his mind.

Craig Moore's seamless transition from Bluetongue Stadium to the white-hot pressure of Wednesday's World Cup qualifier in Yokohama showed how it can be done. "I've not forgotten the levels required - obviously it's a big step up, but I've come in and not had too many problems," the Queensland Roar skipper said after the game.

Jason Culina is about to underline the point, having agreed to join Gold Coast United from next season. Scott Chipperfield has intimated that he has all but committed to come home and play for North Queensland Fury, while Mile Sterjovski had a long chat to Perth Glory coach David Mitchell at the team hotel in Yokohama and may well be strutting his stuff at Members Equity Stadium come August.

Three of those players are cast-iron members of Verbeek's best XI. Sterjovski, if he can start playing regularly at club level, could conceivably force his way in. Which means the A-League may end up becoming the testing ground for four important players leading into next year's World Cup - three of whom will be returning from Europe, where Verbeek would much rather see them play.

Verbeek has made no secret of his efforts to convince Culina not to come back to the A-League until after the World Cup. For whatever reason, those efforts failed. The more optimistic observers had hoped that Culina's watershed decision might encourage others to follow. That optimism seems as though it is about to be rewarded. Football Federation Australia - which needs the Socceroos to qualify for the World Cup at the same time as building up the A-League - will be delighted.

Players, of course, generally make the career choice which best suits them at the time. But every now and then, they look beyond the bottom line. "Obviously, I want to go to the next World Cup, so it's not an easy decision," Chipperfield said. "But I've had eight seasons in Europe, I'll be 34 this year and it feels like the right time to come back. I'd like to think I can go for another couple of years."

Having four players involved in next season's A-League who are preparing for the World Cup is a significant show of faith in the competition at a time when the recent exodus of players to Asia is causing concern. That Robbie Younis, a fringe player at Adelaide United, could become the latest to depart suggests the sudden desire for Australian players among Chinese and Korean clubs has assumed a frantic edge.

Younis, of course, is unlikely to be wearing the green and gold any time soon. But Moore, Culina, Chipperfield and Sterjovski will be, which gives Verbeek plenty of food for thought. While the home-based players hardly distinguished themselves against Singapore and China last year, and Indonesia last month, that doesn't mean that with time, and nurturing, some of them couldn't make the grade. There has always been a bit of reverse psychology in Verbeek's hard-nosed attitude to the A-League. Throwing down the gauntlet remains a legitimate motivational ploy, but so are a few words of encouragement. Now he may have no choice but to soften his stance. He's not going to drop Moore, or Culina, or Chipperfield. Is he?

They would both be super signings if it happens.

Re: Players and clubs we hate. For clubs, I hate Sydney and Adelaide the most. I don't like Newcastle or Queensland much either. I'm surprised no-one has mentioned Muscat yet for most hated player. I still can't believe the he didn't get sent off against the Glory when we played them here.

Good call on Muscat, his tackle on Dadi was a little harsh!

Is it just me or is everyone really excited for next season. I was listening to my music today and heard Chelsea Dagger and it all kicked in:

- 10 Team Comp.
- 27 Round Season
- 14 HOME GAMES! = me going crazy more often
- Perth Glory vs. Everton Friendly (Rumour)
- Mile Sterjovski and Chris Coyne playing for the Glory (also rumour)
- Culina, Fowler, Chipperfield playing for other teams
- Newcastle and Central Coast getting raped in the ACL!
- Chelsea Dagger playing every time Dadi smacks one in (especially against everton) during the season + finals (with 6 teams).

OMG next season, can't wait \:d/ . (its finally come together)

Ditto the "Bound for Glory", not to mention can we also kick out the useless ground MC who can't pronounce names correctly.

:p

Perth Youth finish in Glory
Perth Glory’s Youth side has completed their season with a convincing 4-0 win against Newcastle at home on Saturday evening to secure a fourth place finish in the inaugural competition.

A second half double from skipper Andrija Jukic and goals to Reece Vittiglia and Ludovic Boi gave coach Gareth Naven the attacking edge he had been looking for in the final match of the season.

“It was a great way to finish the season,” Coach Gareth Naven said.

“We controlled the tempo and made the most of our chances which was pleasing. It’s great for these young men who have put in so much effort throughout the season to be rewarded with a good win,” Naven added.

Glory started like a rocket and opened the scoring through Vittiglia in just the fourth minute and seemed destined to put several more past the Jets keeper with the lion’s share of possession however they could not turn their monopoly into scoreboard pressure.

Naven has lamented his side’s inability to turn positive set-ups into goals and with his side holding just a single goal lead Newcastle were still right in the match at the half.

The second period however was a different story, the Glory’s domination turning into goals.

Three minutes after the restart Boi capped off a great run to fired home and double Perth’s advantage before Jukic stepped up with two goals, and came within a whisker of nabbing his second hat trick of the season.

The talented midfielder’s double was enough to secure the Golden Boot award with six goals for the season, one more than team mate Anthony Skorich who missed the match with an ankle strain.

On an overcast and pleasant afternoon for football in Perth, Vittiglia ignited the contest in the fourth minute. There appeared little danger as he took the ball well into his own half, but he accelerated down the right before cutting inside and storming into goal, sending a low shot past Jets' stopper Ben Kennedy.

Further chances to Vittiglia and Jukic came and went before Newcastle threatened for the first time with Brodie Mooy's high cross getting caught in a swirling breeze making it difficult for Glory 'keeper Dejan Aleksic. The youngster grabbed the ball but crashed into the upright, allowing it to spill in front of goal however defender Steve Hesketh was on hand to clear the danger.

Newcastle crafted a couple of further opportunities in their best spell of the match however Aleksic was more than up to the challenge of repelling their advances and it didn’t take long for Perth to once again take control of the contest.

Boi and Ryan Pearson both had good chances to add to Perth's lead in the 28th minute as they found themselves through on goal, but Kennedy did well to smother their efforts. The Jets custodian was then forced to keep out several more attempts on target before the half time whistle gave the visitors some respite.

Newcastle’s resistance though was crushed when the tenacious play of Boi netted a much deserved goal after the restart to open the floodgates. Precise passing led to the Glory’s next goal with midfielder Hayden Doyle releasing Jukic on the left who then skilfully cut inside to finish with aplomb.

Jukic was put through again a short time later but was denied by a Kennedy smother however his forays forward were rewarded 12 minutes from time when he beat the keeper to slip the ball into the bottom of the net.

“We’ve seen the continued development of these players and it has been a terrific experience for everyone involved with Perth Glory’s National Youth League set-up,” Naven said.

“It is clear we have some outstanding talent coming through in Western Australia and to be able to expose them to the next step in their career has been a great opportunity. I’m looking forward to seeing them take these experiences and continue to develop into the future.”

National Youth League Rd 21

Perth Glory 4 (Reece VITTIGLIA 4’, Ludovic BOI 48’, Andrija JUKIC 60’/78’)
Newcastle Jets 0
Saturday 14 February at BGC Stadium - Dorrien Gardens

Referee: Steven Gregory
Assistant Referees: Josh Mannella, Josh Mihevc
Fourth Official: Troy Miller

Perth Glory: 1.Dejan ALEKSIC (gk) (40.Alex PEARSON (gk) 60’), 2.Ryan PEARSON, 3.Steven HESKETH, 5.Josh RISDON (4.Liam HARVEY 60’), 6.Dean EVANS, 8.Howard FONDYKE, 9.Hayden DOYLE, 11.Ludovic BOI, 12. Reece VITTIGLIA (10.Adam LUCA 60’), 13.Andrija JUKIC, 14.Cameron EDWARDS (7.Jack CLISBY 60’).

Substitutes not used: Nil.
Yellow cards: Nil.
Red Cards: Nil.

Newcastle Jets: 1.Ben KENNEDY (gk), 3.Simon MOONEY, 4.Jon GRIFFITHS, 6.Taylor REGAN, 7.Jarrad ROSS, 8.Matt HARPER (13.Joel WITHERDIN 55’), 9.Brodie MOOY, 10.Jacob PEPPER, 11.James VIRGILI, 12.Matthew COMERFORD (5.Harry MAGUIRE 45’), 15.Ben MARTIN,

Substitutes not used: Nil.
Yellow cards: Brodie MOOY 89’, Jarrad ROSS 90+2’.
Red Cards: Nil.

Glory's sights on Cahill
Perth Glory owner Tony Sage should know by tomorrow if WA soccer fans will get a first-hand look at Everton and their Socceroos ace Tim Cahill in a pre-season friendly in July.

A match at Members Equity Stadium is hinging on whether the Premier League side can finalise a deal to play another fixture in the state.

"We've sent the documentatioon and it's been approved. There's just the other club to secure," said Sage.

Cahill, currently Australian soccer's biggest star, was on target again for his club as Everton beat Aston Villa 3-1 yesterday morning (WST) to reach the FA Cup quarter-finals.

Glory press release:

MAJOR CLUB ANNOUNCEMENT

Perth Glory Co-Chairman Mr Tony Sage will make a major announcement at a press conference tomorrow at Members Equity Stadium. Media are encouraged to attend this significant event.



I seriously hope this means we've managed to organise the Everton match.

Perth Glory call conference for 'major announcement'
PERTH Glory are expected to announce Wednesday morning that English side Everton will travel to WA for a pre-season friendly at Members Equity Stadium.

Glory said it had agreed on the terms that would bring the English Premier League side to Perth but that a requirement was for one more Australian club to arrange a match with the touring side.

But the WA club on Tuesday called a media conference, trumpeting plans for a "major announcement".

Glory co-chairman Tony Sage is the only declared speaker for the Wednesday morning statement.

The club has refused to comment on the intended announcement, but it is not believed to be related to a sponsorship deal and, in previous cases, Glory has used coach Dave Mitchell to address the media on personnel issues.

The media conference scheduled for 10.30am, Perth time.

Glory blow as co-owner walks away

18th February 2009, 11:00 WST

Perth Glory have suffered a major off-field blow with the loss of a second member of the ownership group in as many years.

Brett McKeon, who combined with Tony Sage and John Spence to purchase Perth’s A-League licence from Football Federation Australia in February 2007, has followed Spence out the door.

Sage will continue as the sole owner of the club for the foreseeable future.

More to come…

PERTH
SHAYNE HOPE

Glory blow as co-owner walks away

18th February 2009, 11:00 WST

Perth Glory have suffered a major off-field blow with the loss of a second member of the ownership group in as many years, leaving Tony Sage as the sole owner of the A-League club.

Brett McKeon, who combined with Sage and John Spence to purchase Perth’s A-League license from Football Federation Australia in February 2007, has followed Spence out the door.

Sage will continue as the sole owner of the club for the foreseeable future after buying McKeon’s shareholding for an undisclosed amount.

Sage will not seek a new ownership partner, but described McKeon’s move as a “shock decision”.

McKeon will remain with the club as a director and will seek to assist in corporate affairs and bringing on board more sponsorship.

Estimated to be worth $29million, McKeon, who says he remains passionate about Perth Glory, blamed the current economic climate as a key reason for leaving the club.

He also described a poor relationship with FFA and the governing body’s lack of understanding in a statement released this morning.

“Perth’s cost of running a club is significantly higher than our eastern seaboard counterparts and unfortunately this fact seems lost on the FFA,” McKeon said.

Despite admitting that the financial commitment would be somewhat “difficult”, Sage reiterated his commitment to the club and its fans.

“I’m putting my full resources into whatever the football department wants so we can get to the top six next year,” Sage said.

Perth coach Dave Mitchell is continuing in his pursuit of several overseas-based players, with WA product Chris Coyne and Socceroo Mile Sterjovski heading the list.

PERTH
SHAYNE HOPE

Hopefully I'll be able to get tickets and I'd hope they're playing it at MES.