Perth Glory have confirmed what the entire A-League already knew, that Adelaide captain Travis Dodd will take up a two-year deal with the club from next season.
Dodd is the biggest signing yet in an expected major shake-up at Glory in the off-season, with some of the A-League’s best talent linked to a move across the Nullarbor.
Evan Berger, Danny Vukovic, Dean Heffernan and Neil Young have all signed for the Glory and several other big names are expected to follow in the coming weeks.
The 30-year-old has been a mainstay at Adelaide United, playing 137 A-League games and captaining the club for the past four seasons.
Dodd said the decision to switch clubs was not an easy one and paid tribute to Reds for giving him the opportunity to play such a major role at the club over the past six seasons.
“Part of the reason it has taken so long to come to a decision is because there is so much at stake and so much to consider,” Dodd said.
“It has been an extremely hard one to make but first and foremost I had to think about what is best for me and my family at this time.”
Dodd called for Adelaide fans to show understanding for his move west and said the club will always be close to his heart.
“It has been a time I will never forget, and although we haven-t won a championship, I-ve been fortunate enough to have been part of some historic achievements at this club and to have played with some great players, so I will definitely take a lot of fantastic memories from here,” he said.
“Adelaide United will always hold a special place with me wherever I go and without this club I definitely wouldn-t be the person and player that I am today.”
Perth Glory coach Ian Ferguson said Dodd had been on his radar for sometime.
“Travis is a player I have admired for a long time,” Ferguson said. “He’s a versatile player who provides us with several different options as he can play up front or wide on the left and right.”
“Travis is also very good at retaining the ball, an experienced campaigner and a leader,” Ferguson added.
