Perth Glory have finalised their 23-man playing roster for the 2011-12 Hyundai A-League season after they signed former Victory and Gold Coast defender Steve Pantelidis on Friday.
The 28-year-old, who has 105 Hyundai A-League matches to his credit, crosses to the Glory after a short stint with Indonesian team Bintang Medan.
“To be honest the set up here is very good, obviously Melbourne Victory is very professional and has great facilities but I think Glory is excellent,” Pantelidis said.
“I think a lot of the players here have been given a great opportunity to perform week in and week out so I’m expecting a really good season this year.”
Perth coach Ian Ferguson said the team would benefit from Pantelidis’ versatility and that his ordinary disciplinary record didn’t come under consideration before the Glory committed to him.
“Pantelidis is a great signing because he can do three different positions, he can hold midfield, he can play centre-half and he can also play right full-back, so we’re lucky to have him,” Ferguson said.
“Pantelidis wears his heart on his sleeve, he-s an honest player.”
“That’s what you want, you want competitiveness in there and that’s what he gives you. He’s done that throughout his career.”
“I think people have unfairly judged him because of his bookings but he’s a far better player than people give him credit for.”
