Perth Glory’s ambitious plans for the season ahead has scored another vital goal with Fulham Football Club agreeing to play a pre-season friendly in Western Australia, making them the second English Premier League team set to take on the Glory in July.
Perth Glory-s ambitious plans for the season ahead has scored another vital goal with Fulham Football Club agreeing to play a pre-season friendly in Western Australia, making them the second English Premier League team set to take on the Glory in July.
It is a massive coup for Perth who will be the only Hyundai A-League side to play two teams from the world-s best competition during their pre-season campaign when Wolverhampton Wanderers and Fulham tackle the Glory at Members Equity Stadium.
“This is an historic and momentous occasion for Perth Glory and football in Western Australia,” said Perth Glory Owner & Chairman Mr Tony Sage.
“We-ve achieved something no other side in Australia has been able to do and that-s to arrange two matches against Premier League teams. It has been more than a decade since a top-flight European side has played in Western Australia and now we-re delivering two of the best in a week!
“I-ve made a commitment to give something to Western Australia, enhance the profile of football in this state and take Perth Glory back to the top and this is just part of that commitment. There are still many more key announcements to come for the club, it-s an exciting time to be involved with Perth Glory,” said Mr Sage.
West Australian football fans will also be treated to former England International Robbie Fowler pulling on the boots in his first major outing in the country. The North Queensland Fury marquee and his team mates have been confirmed to take part in the July blockbusters in Perth.
The Glory will play Wolverhampton on Friday 10 July at Members Equity Stadium followed by a massive double act on Wednesday 15 July when the Glory play Fulham and Wolves tackle Fowler and the Fury.
“There has been plenty of buzz around since we announced Wolverhampton were coming and having Fulham, Fowler and the Fury here as well will get the heart rate pumping even faster,” said Mr Sage.
“This is a treat not only for Perth Glory supporters but for sporting fans in general in WA and I am confident that they will pack out Members Equity Stadium to see some of the world-s best players in action.”
Perth Glory Deputy Chairman and acting Chief Executive Officer Mr Liu Giuliani has been at the forefront of negotiations to bring these high profile matches to Perth and believes they can be the catalyst for successful ongoing relationships.
“It is a great outcome not only for Perth Glory but football in this state. Fulham are a very professional outfit and we had the pleasure of meeting with them in England. They were very accommodating and keen to build ties in Australia and we can only see benefits in this for us,” Mr Giuliani said.
“The bonds have been created, we are the only Australian club to go and visit Fulham and that has created a significant bond and we-re building an active relationship with both Fulham and Wolverhampton.
“We-re excited about not only what it brings to us in the immediate future but also in the long term,” said Mr Giuliani.
Fulham, who boast a bevy of star players including Socceroos goal keeper Mark Schwarzer, will play three matches across Australia starting on the Gold Coast, followed by Melbourne and finishing in Perth.
Manager Roy Hodgson believes the trip will be excellent preparation for their new campaign and expects some tough opposition from each of the Hyundai A-League teams.
“I am very pleased that we can announce our early pre-season plans and, although this season is yet to end, I am looking forward to our trip to Australia,” Hodgson said.
“We have an opportunity to play three teams of quality who I am sure will want to put on good performances against us, which of course is what one hopes will assist the team in both their personal preparations, but also of course collectively.”
Glory Head Coach Dave Mitchell, who spent time at Fulham on his recent scouting trip to Europe, is also excited about challenging his players against top quality opposition.
“You couldn-t ask for better pre-season program than taking on these great sides,” Mitchell said.
“Tony (Sage) has invested a significant amount to get these teams here and we will use the time to learn as much as we can. Preparation is paramount to success and with these sides coming over we are definitely on the right path for our season.
“It is a wonderful opportunity for fans to see some great games while for our players it-s a chance to take on some of the best in the world and no doubt they-ll be out there to make a good impression,” Mitchell said.
Perth Glory 2009/10 members will be given priority access to purchase tickets before they-re released to the general public. Membership packages are being finalised and will be available for sale shortly.
Details on ticket sales will be release through the club-s website.
Proposed match details *
Friday, 10 July 2009
Perth Glory v Wolverhampton Wanderers
Members Equity Stadium, Perth
Kick-off TBA, tickets on sale TBA
Wednesday, 15 July 2009
Match 1 – Perth Glory v Fulham Football Club
Match 2 – Wolverhampton Wanderers v North Queensland Fury
Members Equity Stadium, Perth
Kick-off TBA, tickets on sale TBA
Saturday, 18 July 2009
Perth Glory v North Queensland Fury
Venue TBA
*Please note dates are subject to change.
