Perth Glory has pulled off a pre-season coup with the club set to take on four-time FA Cup winner Wolverhampton Wanderers at Members Equity Stadium in July.
Wolves currently sit top of the Championship and are almost certain to re-join the English Premier League next season after a six-year absence.
Perth fought off stiff competition from clubs on the east coast to bring the English club to Western Australia in an exclusive deal that will see them play only on the west coast.
Glory coach Dave Mitchell, who has a strong relationship with Wolves manager Mick McCarthy, was instrumental in negotiations and is predicting a cracking match.
“I have no doubt that it will be a hard fought game but played in the right spirit,” Mitchell said.
“They’re well managed by Mick McCarthy who is a no nonsense bloke. I know him well and we-ve kept in touch so it’ll be great to come up against him.”
“I’ve told Mick about Perth, what a great place it is and the strength of support for football in this town.”
“There will be plenty of opportunities for local football supporters to take part in activities throughout the week and we-re very much looking forward to welcoming Wolves to Western Australia.”
It will be the first time in a decade that a top level European club has played the Glory, and Perth Deputy Chairman Lui Giuliani said it is the start of many new initiatives that Chairman and owner Tony Sage has committed to implementing this season and beyond.
“This is a watershed moment in Perth Glory’s A-League history,” Giuliani said.
“Perth Glory is committed to winning on and off the field and this is one of many successful opportunities that we’re set to announce in the coming months.”
“Our ability to bring Wolves to Perth is a true indication of Tony Sage’s commitment to Perth Glory and the West Australian community. He has underwritten the tour to ensure that Glory receives a significant kick start into a new and exciting era.”
“We’ve said we’re committed to action and making things happen and this is a wonderful start.”
The date for the match is not yet confirmed but Giuliani is hoping to secure more international friendlies in WA during the pre-season.
