Glory, Hallelujah

Congratulations to Perth Glory coach Ian Ferguson and his team on achieving third place in the Hyundai A League and the club’s first home final since the league’s inception.

Club owner Tony Sage must also take credit for not pushing the coach out of the door when the team went through a mid season slump. That decision paid dividends as the team put together a fantastic run of results that saw them climb the table.

Ferguson in the main recruited well, and the fact that he did have cover in most positions meant that when those players who had failed to break into the team were finally given a chance they grabbed it with both hands and made it very hard to drop him.

One inspired signing was that of Steve Pantelidis. There were many – this writer included – who questioned his temperament, baed on his history at other clubs. However he has been a stand out since winning his place in the side.

There have been many players who have performed admirably for the club this year and it would be unfair to single out individuals, however the balance that Ferguson managed to bring to the side as well as the structure has meant that players have been more effective than they were in previous seasons as they have been able to focus solely on their roles rather than having to try and cover other players mistakes.

It is great to have Finals football back in Perth and we wish the team all the best for this weekend’s upcoming game against the Melbourne Heart, and urge fans to come out and get behind the team.

Surely now would be a good time to lock in Ferguson for next season as he has delivered what was asked of him, not only Finals football, but a home final. He and his support team have earned the right to be back at the club next season, and it would seem extremely harsh if once the team is eliminated they are shown the door; or that they have to wait until they have lifted the trophy, before knowing their futures are safe.