Can Fergie match the achievements and expectations of Perth Glory’s best Hyundai A-League season?
In the lead up to season 2012/13, we’re looking at the club coaches, their history, their challenges and what they have to do to make this season a success.
Ian Ferguson, Perth Glory
Where to now for Perth Glory? After early struggles last term, the men from the west finally came good and enjoyed their finest Hyundai A-League season to date.
The journey to the Grand Final was a roller-coaster ride, and the controversial last-gasp loss to Brisbane Roar is a wound that will never really heal for Glory fans.
But the pain of last year should bode well for this season. Ian Ferguson has kept a settled squad, but strengthened in key areas, to add a bit more stability at the back and inject some youth into his already talented and experienced team.
Ferguson-s style of play might not have won the plaudits of Ange Postecoglou-s Brisbane Roar, but Glory are remain an excellent team and another title challenge should – no, must – be the target.
History: Ferguson struggled in his early days as a coach, and even looked to be close to the door before the halfway mark last season. But he stuck to his guns and his players rewarded him with a brilliant second-half of the season.
What-s important now is to build on that confidence and hunger; consistency is the key in the A-League and Ferguson has to show he can maintain those high standards.
Challenges: Ferguson dropped a number of fringe players and the departure of Brazilian Andrezinho could be a big loss. But the addition of the likes of Michael Thwaite, Scott Jamieson, Chris Harold, Adrian Zahra and Nick Ward should give Glory enough depth to challenge. All he has to do is find his best XI.
Perhaps the bigger challenge is pushing his team forward. Other teams have strengthened and updated significantly and Glory have to keep up with their rivals.
It-s one thing to ride that crest of a wave to the final – it-s another to start the season with a bang and maintain it week in, week out.
There are now serious expectations of Perth Glory – can Ferguson meet them?
Target Position: Based on Perth-s efforts last season anything outside the top four would be seen as a failure
Final Word: The bar has been set for Perth Glory. Club owner Tony Sage came close to breaking point last season but having seen his side get so close to glory, he will expect a repeat. Make no mistake – the pressure is on Ferguson to match the achievements of last year.
