A bolstered squad, three-game unbeaten run and a new club membership record has Perth Glory booming with confidence and dreaming of a Hyundai A-League finals berth.
That’s the message from defender Marc Warren who believes Glory’s re-energised squad is peaking at just the right time.
It was a busy transfer window for Kenny Lowe’s side which saw five players added to the squad including attackers Andy Keogh and Adam Taggart (though he’s eligible after this season) as well as ex-Birmingham City defender Shane Lowry.
There’s a confident mood around the club right now, especially after Saturday night’s huge 3-2 win over champions Melbourne Victory.
And the news gets better with the club setting their Hyundai A-League membership record of 6331, surpassing last season’s high of 6298.
“The feeling among all the players is good, but the wins obviously help,” Warren said in the West Australian Newspaper.
“With all the new players coming in, the confidence is great.
“Training has got better. I think competition for spots has boosted everyone’s will to win.”
Glory is currently just one spot – and seven points – outside a coveted top six.
Warren said the club’s new faces have contributed to increased intensity in training which is helping performances on the pitch.
And that’s definitely the case for Warren, who a year ago was working in a factory after walking away from the game.
The 23-year-old was thrown a lifeline by Lowe and has made the most of the opportunity, playing 13 games so far this season.
He says the desire to restore the club’s faith in him is the main factor behind his consistent form.
“I don’t want to let them down,” said Warren, who also had stints at Sheffield United and Sydney FC.
“I took a year off and I’ve kind of found myself as a person and as a footballer.”
Glory is sweating on the fitness of Socceroo Josh Risdon for this weekend’s trip to Wellington, after the defender missed training on Tuesday with a leg injury.
