Legendary former Perth Glory striker Bobby Despotovski has praised Jamie Harnwell’s contribution to the club ahead of the veteran’s final match on Sunday.
Club games record holder Harnwell will play his 256th and final game for Perth against Gold Coast United on Sunday afternoon at nib Stadium, farewelling fans after 13 years in the purple jersey.
Despotovski, whose own club record of 240 matches was overtaken by Harnwell earlier this season, described the 33-year-old as a ‘quiet boy’ when he first arrived there in 1998 when the Glory competed in the National Soccer League.
“Jamie has been great for the club since he joined,” declared Despotovski.
“Being sort of a quiet boy, with a lot of players that have already played two or more years in the national league, he was very quiet, but sometimes the quiet achievers (are the most effective).”
“I’m glad he stuck with the club through thick and thin. He got records at the club, he played for the club he loved, supporters love him, so he deserved everything that he got.”
Despotovski joked he couldn’t remember many funny stories that involved a young Jamie Harnwell, saying, ‘I can’t remember what I ate yesterday, I’m not going to remember 13 years ago’.
But, with Perth struggling near the foot of the Hyundai A-League table, Despotovski called on his team-mates to draw strength from Harnwell’s example over the years.
“He worked hard and he gave, all the time, 150 per cent, it’s never less than that,” Despotovski said.
“He captained the club that he loved and played so many games for that club.”
“So I think Glory players at this current Glory squad should actually look to Jamie Harnwell, not for inspiration, but to sort of learn how to conduct themselves and how to actually give 150 per cent every game.”
“(For) what they’ve produced this year, it’s not below the par, that’s an understatement.”
