David Mitchell has stepped down as Perth Glory coach with immediate effect, with former North Queensland coach Ian Ferguson to take control of the out-of form club starting with the clash against the Fury in Townsville.
Mitchell will assume a director of football role with the club after he initiated discussions with chairman Tony Sage about his future in the head coaching position.
Perth had an excellent start to the season but have since lost four matches in succession and Mitchell said he felt it was time for a change.
“I have been contemplating this move for some time with chairman Tony Sage, and am proud where the club is today, compared to when I first came to Perth Glory,” Mitchell said.
“The fans have been great and have come back in their droves.”
“We have built a squad which can now compete and play attractive football with the infrastructure in place to challenge for a title. I have a deep passion for recruiting and utilising my global networks to bring success to Perth Glory.”
“I thank Tony Sage for his backing and the opportunity to continue to grow our Perth Glory.
It marks an extraordinary transformation for Ferguson, who left the Fury at the end of last season citing concerns over the future financial viability for the club. He now finds himself in charge of a Glory side which has invested heavily in terms of on-field recruitment in the past two seasons.
He will be the club’s fifth coach, following on from Steve McMahon, Alan Vest, Ron smith and Mitchell, who brought him to the club.
