Perth Glory coach Dave Mitchell has told former Socceroo Hayden Foxe that he will not be offered a new contract with the Western Australian club.
Former Ajax and Portsmouth defender Foxe was brought to the club on a two-year deal at the start of 2007-08, but has only managed eight Hyundai A-League appearances, a terrible run with injury restricting him to just two matches this season.
Despite Foxe impressing in the matches he’s played this campaign, most notably in a sterling defensive shift that saw an out-of-form Glory defeat a red-hot Sydney FC in Round 8, Mitchell suggested the club had to plan for the season ahead without him.
Mitchell indicated the Glory couldn’t afford a repeat of this season, where a foot injury to Foxe during the pre-season cup saw the club lose its key centre back for the first seven matches, the Glory’s patched-up defence subsequently conceding 20 goals in the first seven rounds.
“It really is an unfortunate circumstance and a very tough decision because when Hayden is out there and playing he is outstanding,” Mitchell said.
“I felt that part of our problem in the past has been that we have had too many players unavailable throughout the year and that has been costly.”
“Hayden is a terrific player, that’s the really sad bit about it, we’re letting a good player go but the reality is that he has spent limited time on the pitch and I need to have players that are going to be available week in and week out to build some continuity in the squad.”
Nick Rizzo has also been advised that his contract will not be renewed, with the midfielder to depart the club after 26 matches for the Glory.
“Nick came back with a wonderful attitude and desire to make his return to Australia a success but was impacted by injury and always battled against the tide to get to his best,” Mitchell said.
“Again, this was a tough decision, Nick is a terrific person and great to have around the change rooms but in the end my decision is based on what we need on the pitch and I felt as though we needed to look in a different direction.”
“I’d like to thank Nick for his contribution to the club and wish him and his family all the best in their next move.”
