Fergie Takes Over at the Glory
Perth Glory have moved swiftly in keeping their season alive, by promoting Ian Ferguson as the new head coach.
He replaces Dave Mitchell who has been moved to Football Director. Glory started well to the current A-League season, but a recent run of losses that has left them mid-table prompted a change in the coaching department.
Owner Tony Sage stepped in today to salvage their season whilst there is still time. Dave Mitchell took over as coach back in 2008 but could only take them to the Quarter Finals in last years competition, eventually bowing out to the Wellington Phoenix.
“I have been contemplating this move for some time with Chairman Tony Sage, and am proud where the club is today, compared to when I first came to Perth Glory,” Mitchell said.
“The fans have been great and have come back in their droves. We have built a squad which can now compete and play attractive football with the infrastructure in place to challenge for a title. I have a deep passion for recruiting and utilizing my global networks to bring success to Perth Glory. I thank Tony Sage for his backing and the opportunity to continue to grow our Perth Glory."
Tony Sage though admitted this morning that the playing group should take a large slice of the blame for David Mitchell's decision to step down as coach.
"The players have got to take a lot of responsibility for this," Sage said. We're losing ... a good coach in this process but we've got to move forward. Look, if professional players need (the) motivation of sacking a coach to play (well) ... it's not good enough. But look Fergie thinks that he can get a lot out of the players. I believe that he can. I think the playing group that Mitch has assembled is a very good playing group but you just can't lose four games in a row."
The decision was effective immediately with Ferguson taking his first training session today.
His first game in charge will be, ironically, against his former club North Queensland Fury at Dairy Farmers Stadium on Friday night.
Former Fury player Robbie Fowler however won't be there, as he is still sorting out some 'personal issues' back in England.