Perth Glory Coach Dave Mitchell was on hand for Australia’s World Cup qualifier against Japan at Yokohama International Stadium last night and was more than just an interested spectator as he steps up the search for new players, including a potential marquee signing, for next season.
Perth Glory Coach Dave Mitchell was on hand for Australia-s World Cup qualifier against Japan at Yokohama International Stadium last night and was more than just an interested spectator as he steps up the search for new players, including a potential marquee signing, for next season.
Mitchell has met with several current Socceroos players to discuss his vision for the future success of Perth Glory and said it has been a productive trip.
“It was great to be able to meet with the players face to face and to discuss their level of interest in coming back to the A-League and more specifically bringing them to Perth Glory,” Mitchell said.
“There isn-t that fear anymore that if you-re not playing in Europe you-re not in contention for the national team. Pim Verbeek (Socceroos coach) has given his support to players returning to Australia at the right time and it has certainly sparked the interest of several players,” said Mitchell.
Perth Glory has a solid base and the club-s coaching staff have been actively scouring the globe to find additional quality who can compliment the contracted players.
“The A-League is an attractive proposition as there will be more games next season with additional teams coming into the competition. There is also an opportunity to loan players to Asian sides in the lead-up to the World Cup in 2010 to ensure that players who are in contention for the national side can maintain their match sharpness.
“We-re looking at players who have indicated an interest in returning to Australia and are still playing at the highest level.
“We-re moving forward in a positive fashion in regards to our recruiting and will continue to work towards securing the talent we-ve identified as being able to have an impact for the club next season and onwards,” said Mitchell.
