Last weekend’s draw with top of the table Sydney FC saw the Perth Glory dominate but could not get past the most miserly defence in the league. This game was Sydney FC’s fifth consecutive clean sheet, so although frustrating, the result was not as bad as some are making out.
Despite a few fans of Eugene Dadi claiming the club had made a grave mistake letting the big Ivory Coast striker go, after his two spectacular goals on debut for the Wellington Phoenix, most who understand the game felt it was a move that made sense.
Wellington will suit Dadi, as his mobility did not suit the style of play that the Glory has adopted this season and he was always going to struggle. He thrives on players getting to the by-line and whipping balls into the box, for him to move onto, as was evident with his second strike. He will do well at Wellington, however it may be a risk giving him another years contract as Eugene is not a player who excels when coming off the bench.
By Dadi moving on Glory coach Mitchell, can give Scottish attacking midfielder Steven McGarry a run and see if he is worth signing long term next season; McGarry taking up Dadi’s foreign player slot. McGarry like Dadi should be raring to play football after being frozen out by his previous manager at Motherwell, and comes highly recommended to Mitchell by former Rangers colleague Archie Knox.
After the weekend many fans felt that the Glory may lack fire power up front for the run in to the finals, and then Mitchell reveals that he has negotiated a deal to bring the impressive Daniel McBreen across to Perth, while letting fringe player Jimmy Downey head to North Queensland Fury.
Now finally the club have cover and depth, although if Burns and Sterjovski leave this could be disrupted. Looking ahead to the weekend’s fixture against a smarting Melbourne Victory if Mitchell chooses to start with the same line up, he could have a very impressive bench with McBreen, McGarry and Jelic. In addition Sikora and Shroj are still to regain fitness.
The crucial aspect of these two late signing is they have brought depth, that was otherwise lacking and competition for places which is always good in a team at the crucial part of the season.
With three games in seven days this could be a masterstroke at a vital time.
