Adam Taggart did not expect to be going home this early.
The 25-year-old made the tough decision to leave Perth Glory for the second time in the Hyundai A-League off-season and join the Brisbane Roar.
The Perth-born striker was prolific in his second stint at the Glory, scoring 21 goals in 38 Hyundai A-League appearances.
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And he got off the mark on his league debut for the Roar, scoring the club’s only goal of the 2018/19 Season so far.
Taggart will return to nib Stadium on Saturday night as the Roar face Perth in Round 3 and he admits it will “probably feel a little bit weird” returning so soon after leaving.
“It’s still so early on in this season – there’s still so many fresh memories of, you know, some really good times I had there,” Taggart told a-league.com.au.
“I’m looking forward to going home. It’s always nice to play in front of friends and family.
“It’ll probably feel a little bit weird playing in different colours, but it’s a great stadium to play at, no matter if you’re home or away.
“It’s always a good atmosphere, it’s a good field, it’s always nice to play on a Saturday night.”
Taggart, who has spent time at Fulham and Dundee United, is aware that his reception may not be all positive from the Glory fans.
But he said he is prepared for whatever comes his way, insistent that his experience will help him through.
“Some people are upset that I left,” he said.
“I’m also upset, of course, when you leave a club, it’s never easy. But I had to do what’s best for me.
“I always respected the fans as much as I could whilst I was there and I think we all enjoyed a lot of good moments together.
“Whatever the reception, that’s football. Some people are happy with it, some people aren’t. Whatever it is, it doesn’t bother me. That’s football.
“It’s not like it’s my first game in the A-League. I’ve obviously been around for a while now.”
Taggart is confident a big performance is around the corner, too, having spurned a hatful of chances in the Roar’s 1-1 Round 1 draw against Central Coast Mariners.
The forward also scored in that clash and had a goal ruled out.
“In terms of missing the chances, I’m not overly concerned about it. I know I can score goals,” he said.
“It’s just business as usual, I guess, you get on with it, you start looking forward to the next game. You prepare well and normally if you prepare well, you don’t need to worry about anything. You have confidence that you perform.”
There is one thing Taggart is not looking forward to in Perth, though.
“Probably least looking forward to battling Alex Grant because he’s so clumsy with his big long legs,” he said with a laugh.
