Former Perth Glory striker Alistair Edwards has taken the reins as the club’s coach until the end of this season after Ian Ferguson and Stuart Munro both parted ways with the club today by mutual consent.
Former Perth Glory striker Alistair Edwards has taken the reins as the club-s coach until the end of this season after Ian Ferguson and Stuart Munro both parted ways with the club today by mutual consent.
Edwards, 44, will be joined by Perth Glory-s inaugural captain Gareth Naven as his assistant. Edwards played 93 games and scored 24 goals (between 1998-2002) for Perth Glory, while Naven wore the club-s jumper with distinction in 143 games from 1996-2002.
“I had a long chat with Ian Ferguson after the game and we agreed to meet last night and again this morning,” Sage said.
“It was mutually agreed upon that he would leave the club.
“He is a man of high integrity and with everyone questioning his ability, he felt it was time to call it quits.”
With 7 games to go this season, Sage and Edwards both agreed the club-s aim is to finish in the top six and play finals football.
“It’s fantastic club and one of the biggest clubs in the A-League with a fantastic history, ” Edwards said.
“I think we have a great group of players who don-t deserve where they are.
“Are we looking to bring new players in? No.
“As of tomorrow, it-s all guns blazing and we are really looking forward to the challenge ahead.”
Edwards and Naven take charge of Perth Glory as proud West Australians and with strong coaching back grounds and a proven record in developing young talent. Edwards is currently the FFA-s National Assistant Technical Director and Qantas Joeys Head Coach while Naven has coached the Perth Glory Youth team for the last five years.
“I think it-s important for Perth Glory to engage and embrace the pathways through the National Training Centre and National Youth League for young players who want to play for Perth Glory,” Naven said.
Both Edwards and Naven have accepted their roles on an interim basis and Perth Glory will now conduct a worldwide search to select a new coach for next season and beyond.
“If Alistair decides he loves being an A-League coach, it will be up to him to apply for that job,” Sage said.
Sage also thanked Football Federation Australia for allowing Edwards to be given a leave of absence to take this role with Perth Glory.
Edwards and Naven-s first session in charge will be at McGillivray Oval at 9am tomorrow.
“It is a never a good situation when a fellow professional coach loses his position,” Edwards added.
“The first call I made was to Ian. His contribution to the Perth Glory has been immense. It shows the perilous nature of football.”
