Mon 23rd Apr 2007

The release of Perth Glory’s official fixtures for the 2007/08 Hyundai A-League season has received a positive reaction from CEO Scott Gooch and Head Coach Ron Smith today.

Mr Gooch said Perth Glory players, members and supporters will be encouraged by the draw which will see the club play no more than two consecutive away games during the season.

 “Easing the travel burden on the team and giving our members and supporters a more home & away feel was the feed back we received from our last campaign and I believe we have been able to accomplish that in our 2007/08 fixtures,” said Mr Gooch.

Perth will play eleven (11) matches at home with nine (9) falling on a Sunday and two (2) on Friday night.

The club will kick-off their season with a huge home clash against Newcastle on Sunday 26 August at 3.00pm. The last time the two sides met in WA it was a goal feast with six hitting the back of the net.

“Our first three matches are against finalists from last season including the Champions Melbourne Victory on their home pitch. This will be a big test however we’re confident in being able to match it with every team in the competition and setting about achieving our goals of a finals berth,” said Smith.

“A big plus for us in the coming season will be no long stretches on the road. This will reduce the wear and tear on the players, allow more time for recovery and subsequently enable us to prepare to our maximum between matches,” he added.

The club’s requested kick-off times have also been granted with early evening starts scheduled for matches during the hottest months over summer.

“The kick-off times will ensure that we’re not playing in the heat of the day and are also early enough so that the whole family can come to the game,” Mr Gooch said.

“We listened to our members and supporters and put their suggestions to the FFA and together we have been able to achieve a family friendly fixture which will deliver great entertainment over the summer,” he added.

The pre-season draw was also released today which will see a historic match between Perth Glory and Melbourne Victory at Darwin’s new football stadium. This event will be a Perth Glory pre-season home match and coincides with the official opening of the venue.

Perth Glory players will spend time in the top end performing coaching clinics and meeting the locals in a festival lead-up to the big match.

“As a club we are committed in expanding the reach of football throughout Australia and we’re proud to be part of this great occasion,” said Mr Gooch.

Perth Glory is continuing discussions with potential playing venues including Members Equity Stadium for the 2007/08 Hyundai A-League season. Negotiations are advanced and a final decision will be made in due course.