Adam Griffiths has been appointed Perth Glory head coach on a permanent basis, signing a contract until the end of the 2025-26 Isuzu UTE A-League season.
Previously the assistant coach under former boss David Zdrilic, the 46-year-old subsequently took over head coaching duties following Zdrilic’s departure at the end of October.
Acting in an interim capacity, Griffiths has overseen six matches in charge of the club, recording three victories in his last four games – a run which has seen the Glory move up into fifth on the Isuzu UTE A-League ladder.
Following their uptick in form, the Glory hierarchy have opted to hand Griffiths a permanent contract until the end of the current campaign, with the club also having the option to extend the deal on a longer-term basis.
“Being the Head Coach of Perth Glory is an honoured position and the board and I are confident that Adam has shown all the right attributes to successfully lead our proud football club forward,” said Glory Owner and Chairman, Ross Pelligra.
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“This is a decision we have not taken lightly and one that we have deliberately taken our time with, keeping all our options open and canvassing many highly-qualified applicants.
He continued: “Adam, however, has proven himself to be an outstanding candidate with undoubted talent and potential and someone that we want to back in 100%.
“Results are very important, but culture is more so.
“We feel very confident that Adam has the ability to build a strong club culture with players and staff of good character that will ultimately deliver the club sustained success.
“The recent performances have shown what our squad is capable of achieving and we look forward to seeing Adam continuing this great work and leading us down a path of further success, giving our Members and fans and all Western Australians the Glory they deserve.”
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Despite losing his first two games in charge against Melbourne Victory and Central Coast Mariners respectively, Griffiths went on to oversee three straight wins against Newcastle Jets, Macarthur Bulls and Western Sydney Wanderers.
The Glory’s three-game winning streak came to an end at the hands of Sydney FC in Round 8, however the club’s powerbrokers had clearly seen enough promise in their new man.
“In a short period of time Adam has been able to get the collective buy-in and earn the respect of the playing group and the football staff,” said Glory CEO Anthony Radich.
“Most importantly, this has been reflected in the team’s performance and the delivery of results.
“Adam has impressed with his strong leadership and the professional manner in which he has conducted himself throughout this period.
“He demonstrates strong conviction in his coaching abilities and provides a calm and composed coaching presence, both in training and on matchdays, that our players have fully embraced.
“He has earned this promotion off the back of his strong performance to date and we’re delighted to be able to reward him with this special opportunity.
He added: “We look forward to working very closely with Adam and supporting his future growth and development for the betterment of our great football club and its loyal Members and fans.”
No stranger to the Isuzu UTE A-League, the two-time Socceroo tasted success with the Newcastle Jets as a player, winning the Championship in the 2007-08 season, whilst he also played for Adelaide United and Sydney FC.
After calling time on a playing career which saw him play for the likes of Belgian team Oostende, current Premier League side Brentford FC plus a number of clubs across Saudi Arabia, China and Malaysia, Griffiths turned his hand to coaching.
Named 2022 NPL NSW Coach of the Year after excelling in charge of Manly United, Griffiths subsequently had stints as an Assistant Coach at both Western Sydney Wanderers and Wellington Phoenix.
