Perth Glory can today confirm that Jacob Burns has resigned as Football Director and will be departing the club to explore opportunities elsewhere.
The former Socceroos midfielder joined Glory in 2009 as skipper and led the club to its maiden Hyundai A-League Grand Final appearance three years later.
Burns claimed the Joe Marston Medal for his performance in that 2012 Grand Final and went on to play 116 A-League games in purple before hanging up his boots in 2014.
He subsequently worked as a PGFC Academy Coach, Director and Technical Director ahead of a move into the role of Football Director.
Glory CEO Tony Pignata paid tribute to the major contribution made by Burns to the club in a playing, coaching and administrative capacity.
“Jacob’s achievements as a Glory player speak for themselves,” he said, “and he has also been a key force in driving the club forward in his subsequent off-field roles.
“The major part he played in establishing the PGFC Academy as one of the best of its kind in the country adds to the impressive legacy that he leaves behind.
“On behalf of everyone associated with Perth Glory, I would like to thank him for his years of service and wish him and his family all the very best for the future.”
Burns himself, meanwhile, reflected fondly upon his 11-year association with the club.
“I have decided that the time has come to step away and allow others to control the football direction,” he said.
“I was honoured to be given the opportunity and am extremely proud of the legacy and foundations that I leave behind.
“During my time as Glory captain, I felt that our achievements put the club firmly back on the scene as a force within the new, modern A-League.
“Since retiring and moving into a variety of other roles, I feel very proud to have been involved in founding the PGFC Academy, helping the Academy gain 2-star recognition and launching our first two Academy schools.
“In terms of the senior team, I am similarly proud of our four Finals and two FFA Cup Final appearances, reaching a Grand Final played out in front of a record crowd at Optus Stadium and, of course, securing the club’s maiden Premiers’ Plate and qualification for the AFC Champions League.
“It is with a heavy heart that I say goodbye for now and I will continue to support the club I love from the stands.
“I would like to thank Tony, Lucy and the Sage family for their support and of course, our wonderfully loyal Members and fans.”
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