Perth Glory captain Jacob Burns has declared he’s up for the challenge of leading the side through the current rebuilding process.
Speaking on Tuesday morning, Burns acknowledged how difficult it was for players at the end of such a disappointing season, especially as some would probably be leaving the club in the next few weeks.
But the 32-year-old former Qantas Socceroo threw his hat in the ring and declared he definitely wants to keep leading the side, even through such a difficult time.
“That’s not my call,” Burns admitted, when asked if he would stay on as captain.
“It’s for the gaffer and people above, but if they want me to, I have the desire there and I still want to drive the club forward.”
“It’s been a disappointing season, we can’t duck and hide from the fact, but we’ve got to believe that we can do it and we can be up there next season, so we’ll have to wait and see.”
Although the Glory are out of the finals race, Burns said there was still plenty to play for as the team looks to send retiring veteran Jamie Harnwell out on a positive note.
“It’s going to be an emotional time,” Burns said.
“I’ve known Jamie for a number of years and he’s a fantastic pro, a fantastic player and one of the club’s best.”
“It’ll be sad to see him go and I hope the fans can get out there and give him the support he truly deserves and we can send him off with a win.”
Although the Glory have disappointed on the field, they appear determined to make a difference off it, with the club announcing it would travel north to Carnarvon on February 18 for a three-day trip intended to raise flood-relief funds for the Gascoyne area, which was also struck badly over the last few weeks.
Gascoyne MP Vincent Catania declared he was thrilled the Glory would be coming to the area to host coaching clinics and play a benefit match against a WA State select side.
“Carnavon is a region that feels like they’ve been forgotten with all the floods that have occurred over on the east coast,” Catania said.
“I think this is one way to lift the spirits of the people of the Gascoyne and bring some entertainment and also raise funds to help the Gascoyne flood victims get back on their feet.”
