Glory defender Meredith considered retirement before Popovic call

Perth Glory are flying again but James Meredith has revealed he came close to missing out on the club’s Hyundai A-League Premiership defence.

Meredith was amongst the stand-outs for Tony Popovic’s side as they stormed to an emphatic 6-2 win over Newcastle Jets on Saturday evening.

The result marked a third straight win for the Glory and is the most goals scored by a team in an Hyundai A-League match this season.

Meredith was one of the stand-out performers for the Glory in his role at left wing-back – delivering a busy performance and winning the penalty for his side’s second goal on the half-hour.

He also came close to scoring his first ever Hyundai A-League goal, finishing a stunning full-field counter attack only to see his effort rubbed out on review by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).

However, despite his growing favour with the Glory faithful, the 31-year-old told Fox Sports post-match he came close to turning down the opportunity of being part of Popovic’s team this year.

“I had been in England for fifteen years and I was seriously considering retirement,” explained the former Millwall and Bradford City player.

“But Tony Popovic called me up and he sold the club to me – what the club is about and the fact they want to win things.

“Having a look at the team and the facilities I thought it would be a good move to come back and see what I could do.”

REPORT: Fornaroli and Castro lead Perth’s six-goal rout of Newcastle

With the Glory in the midst of a resurgence, Meredith, who didn’t make his Hyundai A-League debut until Round 5 of the season, is now adamant he made the right choice to return to his home country.

He cited the guiding hand of Popovic as crucial to not only his own performances but the team’s return to winning ways.

“Tony Popovic is great manager and he is all about the details and working hard and working together as a team,” he said.

“I am really enjoying my football here and it’s really good to get those results.”

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Meredith explained he is also thriving with the support of two of the league’s most dynamic attacking players in Diego Castro and Bruno Fornaroli in the Glory’s iconic purple kit.

“They are both great players. Fornaroli has great technique and Diego – it’s like the ball is glued to his feet.

“That’s what you get after eight or so years in La Liga and, even at his age, he is a marvel to play with and to watch.”

SUNDAY PREVIEW: Central Coast Mariners vs Adelaide United

With the Glory still ten points shy of league-leaders – and last year’s Hyundai A-League Grand Final opponents – Sydney FC, Meredith acknowledged there is plenty of work ahead for his side.

However, he believes the signs are good that they can take their form through the holiday period and into the new year.

“It’s exciting football that we are starting to play and I think it will continue from now.”

The Glory return to action against Central Coast Mariners in the traditional New Year’s Eve fixture in Gosford.