Kenny Lowe has stepped down from his role as Perth Glory head coach and will take up a role with the club’s academy.
Glory CEO Peter Filopoulos made the announcement on Friday following a comprehensive review of the season.
Glory finished just one win away from the Grand Final last season but couldn’t repeat that in 2017/18, finishing in eighth spot after a final round loss at home against Brisbane Roar.
It was one of 15 defeats Glory suffered in what was a turbulent campaign in the west.
Glory started the 2017/18 Season with plenty of expectation, with Lowe assembling a squad full of attacking talent and experience.
But a string of injuries and inconsistent form meant they rarely produced their best football.
Lowe, who has one year to run on his contract, is moving into a youth role and will be the technical director of the Glory Academy.
“We never shied away that we wanted a top-four finish at the beginning of the year, and we felt the squad should have done better than what it actually did in the end,” Filopoulos said.
“We just felt generally as part of the review that after four-and-a-half years, we needed a new fresh approach in the coaching ranks.
“But we’re delighted Kenny will remain at the club to play an instrumental role.
“The Academy is a key part of the club’s future and with someone of Kenny’s quality at the helm, I know that it will go from strength to strength and continue to produce exciting young players capable of starring for Glory, the Socceroos and elite clubs overseas.”
It brings to an end a four-and-a-half year stint as Glory boss for the 56-year-old, who took the reins in late 2013 from the axed Alastair Edwards.
While the club endured the salary cap drama in the 2014/15 Season, Lowe still achieved some great results during his tenure.
He guided the club to two FFA Cup finals as well as an Elimination Final and last season’s grand final qualifier.
In his 128 games in charge, Lowe guided the club to 52 wins, 27 draws and 49 losses.
Lowe is the second Hyundai A-League coach in as many days to lose his job following Western Sydney Wanderers decision to part wats with Josep Gombau on Thursday.
