Alex Epakis has called time on his tenure as Perth Glory head coach after four Liberty A-League seasons and 66 games, citing personal reasons for his exit.
The longest-serving Liberty A-League coach in Glory’s history, Epakis has given notice of his intention to depart the club at the end of July.
Epakis signed a two-year contract extension in August, 2023 but after his fourth season at the helm, has bid an emotional farewell to Perth less than one year into his current contract.
“Despite the strategy and plans collectively put in place for next season by myself, Football Director Stan Lazaridis and CEO Anthony Radich, I have made the difficult decision to step down from my position due to personal reasons,” Epakis said.
“The ongoing support of Anthony, Stan and previous management has been exceptional across my time at the club and I appreciate their understanding of my decision.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed the challenge and opportunity of coaching the Perth Glory (Liberty A-League) team. It has been an experience which won’t be forgotten and a responsibility which I have sincerely valued.
“To the best of my ability, I was unwavering in my attempt to lead the squad, achieve on-field competitiveness and foster a strong team identity during a period of great uncertainty for the club.
“I am deeply appreciative of the connection formed with all the Members, fans and sponsors and the support they provided for the team.
“I have also hugely valued the opportunity to work with the players and staff across the four seasons. I’m extremely grateful to the playing group for the respect and belief they’ve shown me across my tenure and I wish them all the absolute best.
“I believe the club is heading in the right direction and that the strong leadership of Anthony, Stan and the Pelligra Group will no doubt return Perth Glory to its competitive best. I look forward to seeing the club progress and achieve future success.”
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Epakis arrived at the club ahead of the 2020-21 Liberty A-League season and after a ninth-placed finish in his first campaign, he led the club to fifth in 2021-21 and sixth the season following, and navigated the club through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic which led to Glory’s displacement from Perth for long stretches of his early tenure.
In the 2023-24 campaign Glory shaped as strong title contenders; Epakis’ side won their first four games and led the league after eight rounds but their form took a nosedive in the second half of the campaign. Glory’s last win of the season came on December 31, 2023 and preceded a 12-game winless run which resulted in a 10th-place finish.
Upon confirmation of Epakis’ departure, Glory CEO Anthony Radich expressed his gratitude to the 33-year-old for his contribution to the club across his record-setting four seasons in charge of the Liberty A-League squad.
“Alex has made a significant contribution to the club over the past four years and we will be very sad to see him go,” Radich said.
“That said, we understand the personal sacrifices he has made and appreciate that he now needs to reassess and reset.
“Alex has worked incredibly hard to strengthen our ALW program and laid a very solid foundation for his successor to build upon as the club moves forward.
“On behalf of everyone associated with the club, I would like to sincerely thank him for all his efforts and wish him all the very best for the future.”
