Football Season Guide

A-League
Australia
A-League
2021/2022
Perth Glory
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Perth Glory

In


Sardinero (att, OFI Crete), Jones (gk, Al-Nassr FC), Oxborrow (mid, Broadmeadow), O'Neill (mid, Buriram United), Niyongabire (mid, Adelaide United), Burke-Gilroy (def, Brisbane Roar), Clisby (def, Central Coast Mariners), Calver (def, Western United), Farah (def, promoted), Sturridge (att, free), Cook (gk, promoted), Walsh (def, promoted)

Out


Castro (mid, released), Velaphi (gk, released), Warland (def, Newcastle Jets), Chianese (mid, Hyderabad FC - end of loan), Sullivan (mid, released), Langkamp (def, released), Ingham (def, Newcastle Jets), Geria (def, Melbourne Victory), Kilkenny (mid, Western United), Ikonomidis (att, Melbourne Victory), Wilson (mid, SJK), D'Agostino (att, Melbourne Victory)

Despite a promising setup, last season ended up going badly for Perth Glory. Keogh forgot how to score, Fornaroli didn't get enough service, Castro was less effective, Ikonomidis was injured for most of the campaign. They only livened up after loaning Chianese. Defence was a disaster from start to finish. The season ahead doesn't look much better. Club legend Castro left the club. The club claimed to have offered him a new contract but they didn't hear back in weeks. Dynamic attacker Ikonomidis was reunited with Popovic at Melbourne Victory. Vital defensive midfielder Kilkenny left under a cloud. Lots of defenders left but none of note. Some signings were good. Clisby was excellent last season, he should be very good. Sturridge caught all the headlines because he's too good for this level, could be an amazing signing. O'Neill is an underrated midfield terrier, the likes of which Perth Glory have lacked since Kilkenny's omission. Calver brings height and experience to their defence. Strengths - two brilliant forwards in Fornaroli and Sturridge. Keogh decent backup. Should be very good from set pieces in general. Two really solid shot stoppers in Reddy and Jones. Won't lose many physical duels in general. Weaknesses - Sardinero signed to be the new Castro, doesn't look good enough. No natural playmakers. Lack of natural width. Will struggle to defend against speed. Will struggle to create chances, especially if opponents sit back. Irreplaceable players - Sturridge, O'Neill, Lachman

Target


Despite the signing of Sturridge, a top 6 finish is the best they can hope for - and they'll most likely fail in pursuit of it. They should focus on avoiding the wooden spoon. Not nearly enough balance to this squad.