Perth Glory’s goalkeeping coach and former custodian Danny Milosevic is relishing being back at the club he represented in the NSL era, and the former Australia U-23 international is focused on helping develop Glory’s next crop of stars.
With the Hyundai A-League season now in recess Milosevic has turned his attention to helping the NPL youngsters in their campaign.
“They’re in a development phase of their career,” the 37-year-old said.
“We expect them to participate every week at the highest level and perform to the best of their abilities,
“They’re on a learning curve in terms of their career and getting games under their belt [is essential],” he added.
Milosevic is impressed with the talent at the disposal of head youth coach John Gibson, with the former New Zealand Knights and Leeds United keeper insisting that patience and experience is key for their careers.
“I think it’s important playing games first and foremost,” the Melbourne-born coach insisted.
“We’ve got that time to give them opportunities to play good football,”
“So hopefully in the next couple of months they can prove themselves for the next pre-season coming up,” he added.
Milosevic was also full of praise for young keeper and Youth MGP (Most Glorious Player) and NPL captain Jordan Thurtell who joined the club in 2014.
“We’re trying to give Thurtell as much game time as possible to get him accustomed to playing the game.
“Hopefully he can make that next step up to the A-League standard once his opportunity arrives,” Milosovic.
The coach, who spent a majority of his career in Europe, also singled out Nick Talimdzioski as a player to keep an eye out for the future.
“I’m impressed with Nick Talimdzioski, he’s done really well,” Milosevic said.
“He’s got great attacking intent, he’s a good footballer.”
Milosevic insists he’s enjoying his time back at the club, a place that proved a major catalyst for his professional career.
“I love Perth, I love Perth Glory,” the former NSL star admitted.
“It was always a special time for me when I first played for Perth and it’s a special time now as a coach,
“I just want to be a massive part of the coaching staff and hopefully help the young players in getting an opportunity,” he said.
Milosevic will join the club’s General Manager of Foobtall and former skipper Jacob Burns on the sidelines this weekend when the NPL team takes on Balcatta at Ashfield Reserve.
The pair is filling in for Head Coach Gibson who is steering Glory’s representative team in the U-18s Frenz International Cup in Malaysia.
Kick-off is at 3pm and entry is free for all current Perth Glory FC members.
