Although excited about signing for Perth, Travis Dodd said he is bitterly disappointed he would not be finishing his career at Adelaide United after signing a two-year deal with the Glory on Wednesday.
The Reds captain admitted he felt forced to make a decision after United coach Rini Coolen and football director Michael Petrillo said they were unable to table another offer after intense meetings on Tuesday.
Club officials told Dodd constraints of the salary cap meant it was too difficult to retain the services of the skipper who felt he was not a wanted player for next season.
“I’m very disappointed I won’t be here to see out my career. But on the same hand I am really excited about going to Perth,” Dodd said on Wednesday.
“They said at that stage they couldn’t make me another offer. I had to make a decision. I couldn’t really wait around for another week or so to see if things were going to change so that made my decision there and then I guess.”
“I guess as captain you feel if they really wanted you then they would try and find a way.”
“I want the guys here and also the supporters to understand my reason for going and that the decision I guess was taken out of my hands from my point of view and Adelaide will always be a special place for me.”
Dodd’s disappointment was palpable especially after the 31-year-old had repeatedly signalled his intentions to remain at the club in recent weeks after an impressive run of form.
“I said before I wanted to stay but it hasn’t happened,” he said.
“I’m disappointed, my family is disappointed but I’m a professional footballer as well and know that these things can happen.”
Midfielder Paul Reid was also shown the door on Tuesday and Dodd admitted he was also disappointed about how that situation played out.
“Reidy as well, he’s one of the nice guys of football,” he said.
“He’s never got a bad word to say about anybody. For his tenure to end the way it did as well, it’s really disappointing. I’m disappointed for him and I wish him all best.”
The winger said he was saddened to be leaving his team-mates who were also disappointed to hear of his departure.
Dodd was thankful for their support before admitting he felt ‘honoured’ to have been their captain.
“I’m sad to leave those boys as well because it’s been an honour to be able to lead those boys on the park,” he said.
“I’ve had a lot of messages from a lot of the guys to say they’re disappointed but they respect my decision which I guess at the end of the day is what matters most to me.”
“Some of the comments I got from the players today, they were really disappointed and sad to see me leave. It’s a good feeling for me to know I was respected highly by the players and they valued my input to the team, on and off the field.”
