Perth Glory have confirmed the departure of the club’s Isuzu UTE A-League head coach Alen Stajcic after his first season at the helm.
Stajcic joined Glory on a three-year deal in August, 2023 but departs less than one year into his contract.
Perth finished last on the Isuzu UTE A-League table in 2023-24; Stajcic oversaw just five wins from 27 games and his side conceded a league-high 69 goals. Glory conceded 23 of those goals in their final four games – all of which were defeats – to slump to the foot of the standings.
Stajcic’s sole season in charge of Perth coincided with Glory’s search for new owners which ended with Pelligra Group’s acquisition of the club in February. The outgoing head coach says the challenges he confronted throughout the 2023-24 campaign took a toll as he begins his search for a new start.
“Upon season’s end, after personal reflection, I have decided that it’s best for me to look for a new challenge in my coaching career,” Stajcic said.
“The difficulties we faced this year were unique and consistent and took a great toll on most within the organisation. I would like to thank all the staff for their unwavering support, commitment and dedication to the mission.
“The expertise, care and professionalism shown by all in the face of adversity was second to none.
“I would like to thank the playing group for their efforts during a period when they faced existential concerns about our club and their careers.
“Finally, I would like to thank the members and fans that continued to support both me and the club through thick and thin.
“Their level of loyalty, passion and energy was inspirational to both me and the playing group and I will always treasure this part of the club. I wish the club all the best in the future.”
Stajcic’s departure was confirmed the day after the exit of Glory’s Liberty A-League head coach Alex Epakis who, like Stajcic, left the club before the end of his contract.
With both of the club’s senior head coach positions now vacant, owner Ross Pelligra, in conjunction with Glory Football Director Stan Lazaridis, has pressed the reset button ahead of the new ownership group’s full season at the club.
Stajcic’s replacement is expected to be confirmed this week, with less than one month until the men’s side’s next competitive outing against Brisbane Roar in an Australia Cup playoff in Darwin on July 23.
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As Stajcic’s tenure at the club came to an end, Glory CEO Anthony Radich thanked the outgoing head coach for navigating the “unprecedented uncertainty” of a campaign severely impacted by an ownership search that ended five months into season 2023-24.
“Alen’s leadership and resilience during what was one of the most difficult seasons in the club’s history was admirable,” Radich said.
“The courageous decision to take on this role in a period of unprecedented uncertainty and adversity is testament to Alen’s great character and we are very grateful for that commitment.
“On behalf of everyone associated with the club, I would like to thank Alen sincerely for his service to Perth Glory and wish him all the very best for the next stage of his coaching journey.”
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