The positive impact of Perth Glory’s move to secure Dave Mitchell as Head Coach for a further two seasons is already reaping rewards with Olyroos goal keeper Tando Velaphi on the verge of signing a contract extension with the club.
The positive impact of Perth Glory-s move to secure Dave Mitchell as Head Coach for a further two seasons is already reaping rewards with Olyroos goal keeper Tando Velaphi on the verge of signing a contract extension with the club.
Velaphi is one of the country-s best young ‘keepers and was a member of Australia-s football team at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Closer to home he has been a key ingredient in the Glory-s recent revival with some excellent performance between the posts.
“He-s a Perth boy, a very talented keeper and it-s important that we keep him here,” said Mitchell.
The decision by Perth-s Board to reappointment Mitchell has given the coach the green light to shore up the club-s playing stocks as rivals circle uncontracted talent at the Glory.
“Let-s not forget that in the next two years there will be in excess of 90 new contracts issued with two new team coming in next year and another two potentially the year after,” said Glory co-Chairman Mr Tony Sage.
“What the players want, what the owners want and what the coaching staff want is stability to give the club the best opportunity to re-sign players and recruit new talent.
“We-ve recently signed Adriano Pellegrino and just received word from Tando that he is committed to Perth and we-ll finalise contract terms with him in the next week or so.
“Cementing the head coach now, rather than waiting until round 12 or further on, will strengthen the club against poaching from other clubs,” Mr Sage said.
Perth-s recruiting process is well underway with positive discussions with current and potential players set to continue however Mitchell reiterated the club-s desire to achieve their goal of a finals berth this season.
The immediate challenge coming in the form of reigning champions Newcastle who will make the trip west for a huge Sunday afternoon clash at Members Equity Stadium.
“There are players we want to keep here and other we want to bring in and that has been a process I have started and it will gain further momentum from this point on,” said Mitchell.
“We want to attract the best players to this club and be a force again.
“The three points up for grabs this week are vital and we are preparing for a big game against Newcastle and will be doing everything in our power to extend our winning streak at home to four,” Mitchell said.
