Thu 25th Jan 2007

As part of Perth Glory’s post-season review conducted by Head Coach Ron Smith and Assistant Coach David Mitchell, the club wishes to advise that players Stuart Young, Mimi Saric, Luka Glavas, Mark Robertson and Adrian Webster will not be offered a contract extension for next season.

While it has been a difficult decision Smith said it’s a reality in professional football that not every player can be retained and wished the departing players success in their future endeavours.

“Every one of these lads has given 100% commitment to Perth Glory this season and I thank them for their efforts on and off the field,” Smith said.

“I have had to make some tough calls in what I believe will be in the best interests of Perth Glory and ensuring we’re able to further strengthen our playing squad going forward,” he added.

Striker Stuart Young enjoyed a productive final season at the club as the Glory’s second leading scorer with five goals in 17 games. The 34 year old played a total of 22 games for Perth since arriving in the club’s inaugural Hyundai A-League campaign two years ago.

“I made a commitment to give Stuart a chance after he was mostly overlooked last year and he didn’t disappoint, making a significant contribution on and off the pitch,” Smith said.

“Stuart is a terrific club man and I wish him all the best,” he added.

Fellow strikers Luka Glavas and Mimi Saric both registered goals in their debut Hyundai A-League seasons and played 15 and 10 games respectively.

“Both these young players showed plenty of enthusiasm this season and I’m sure that they’ll continue to develop in their football careers,” Smith said.

New to the Glory this season midfielder Mark Robertson’s impact was restricted due to an unfortunate string of injuries that kept him sidelined for the majority of the season.

“Mark always set a wonderful example in his efforts to get back to playing fitness. It has been very disappointing for him and also for the club that we were not able to see his best on the field because of injuries,” said Smith.

One of three New Zealand Internationals in Perth’s squad this season Adrian Webster played with tenacity through the midfield to notch 20 games after joining the club from Darlington in England.

Perth currently has two contracted foreign players (New Zealanders Leo Bertos & Jeremy Christie) and the club has decided to keep their remaining two positions available for future recruiting.

“Adrian falls into the foreign player category because he was born in New Zealand,” said Smith.

“His role in central midfield is a position where we currently have several options and in our process of rebuilding the squad we will need to find players that can give us cover in other areas which may include looking internationally,” Smith said.

The club’s post-season assessment is continuing and decisions on the future of the remaining players coming out of contract will be made as the team takes shape in the coming months.

Stuart Young
Joined Perth Glory: 2005/06 Hyundai A-League season
2006/07 games: 17
2006/07 goals: 5
Total Perth Glory games: 22

Mimi Saric
Joined Perth Glory: 2006/07 Hyundai A-League season
2006/07 games: 10
2006/07 goals: 1
Total Perth Glory games: 10

Luka Glavas
Joined Perth Glory: 2006/07 Hyundai A-League season
2006/07 games: 15
2006/07 goals: 2
Total Perth Glory games: 15

Mark Robertson
Joined Perth Glory: 2006/07 Hyundai A-League season
Total 2006/07 games: 2
2006/07 goals: -
Total Perth Glory games: 2

Adrian Webster
Joined Perth Glory: 2006/07 Hyundai A-League season
Total 2006/07 games: 20
2006/07 goals: -
Total Perth Glory games: 20