Wed 31st Jan 2007

During recent player meetings Perth Glory coach Ron Smith set about informing all Perth Glory players of his intentions for next season and the need to further strengthen the club to become a finals contender.

His post-season review identified several areas that needed to be addressed including the need for more pace and new potent strike force up front.

“Unfortunately we weren’t able to score enough goals and that is one of the main areas which I’ll address during the off-season,” Smith said.

“We also lacked pace in defence and up-front and were caught out by the speed of opposition teams on occasion so that also needs to be rectified,” he added.

The coach is currently scouring Australia and overseas for players to add to Perth Glory’s roster for next season who can help adjust the composition of the current set-up.

Part of those adjustments will see some Glory players, including defender Jamie Harnwell, take on different roles which Smith was determined to communicate to them as early as possible.

“I told Jamie that I thought he had done a great job on and off field,” Smith said.

“With the need for the club to change direction I informed him that he would have a more limited role than this season on the pitch however he still remained a valuable member of the squad.

“I had also been approached by an Asian based club who expressed a desire to have Jamie in their squad and in his best interests I let him know about the offer so he could consider his long term future,” said Smith.

“I felt obliged to inform Jamie of the offer and following our discussions I was of the understanding he didn’t wish to pursue it any further and I’m planning for him to be part of our squad next season.”

Smith’s willingness to let players explore opportunities has allowed midfielder Leo Bertos trial with Greek club Skoda Xanthi FC, while a loan deal for Simon Colosimo with see him play with Sivasspor FC in Turkey for the next four months.

“I have a job to do and that’s to ensure that Perth Glory is a finals contender next season but at the same time I will not stand in the way of players bettering themselves and I don’t want them to miss out on opportunities.

“We have plenty to look forward to next season and I’m confident we’ll have a strong squad who can take Perth Glory into the finals,” Smith concluded.