Perth Glory recruit Liam Reddy has quashed suggestions that he’s an automatic front runner to be this year’s first choice custodian.
The 34-year old father of three and fitness fanatic has moved to WA after spending last season with Hyundai A-League Grand Finalists Western Sydney Wanderers.
Perth is his seventh A-League club but the veteran ‘keeper is confident Glory can be a formidable force and a contender for some silverware.
“I think the club tried very hard to get WA boys back here which is another great thing the club is trying to do and for me to come over her and help that it’s very attractive to do,” he said.
“They finished very strong (on the back of last year) and have added quality.”
Reddy said he was lured by the city’s lifestyle and club culture and is happy to be part of a new look Perth Glory.
“I’ve spoken to former players and they’ve had great things to say about the club and the city and it’s been excellent- they’ve all given it the thumbs up.”
While he’s played nearly 230 league games and is one of the competition’s most experienced players, Reddy has cast aside talk of him immediatley taking up the keeper’s first spot .
“I don’t think anyone walks in to anywhere as number one. I think, as you can see, the squad’s got a lot of depth and from day one from pre-season we’re fighting for that first game of the season,” he said.
Reddy will be competing against Jordan Thurtell and Nic Feely for the goalkeeper’s spot , but is more than ready for the challenge.
“I think everyone’s got to have that mindset to be successful across the board. Nothing is given to you so I’ll be working hard to prove myself to be number one,”
he said.
Glory’s pre-season campaign ramps up with a tour of Philippines later this month, before tackling Brisbane Roar in the first round of the FFA Cup on August 10.
