Glory move pre-season preps to Malaysia

Perth Glory’s preparations for the up-coming Hyundai A-League season will be significantly enhanced with confirmation the team will travel to Malaysia, one of the host countries for the upcoming Asian Cup, for a pre-season camp later this month.

Perth will play four matches against high quality Malaysian Super League teams as Coach Ron Smith ramps up the club’s pre-season schedule.

“We have had a big month on the training track but being able to get some match practise into the legs will be a huge benefit for all the lads,” Smith said.

“The new owners gave an undertaking when they took over the club to make every resource available for us to prepare to our maximum and this trip is a result of their commitment to Perth Glory’s success this season,” Smith added.

The majority of Perth’s squad will travel to Malaysia with the exception of Stan Lazaridis and Jason Petkovic who is still recovering from a broken leg. Coach Ron Smith has also invited several players currently trailing with the club as they battle it out for one of the few remaining spots on the club’s list.

Recent signing’s Mate Dragicevic and Nick Rizzo will meet their new team mates for the first time as they join the squad from Croatia and Sydney respectively.

“It’s going to be an important trip for us as a playing group to interact and get to know each other because we have several new faces in the team this season,” said defender David Tarka.

“We haven’t been able to do this sort of trip in the last couple of years and I think it’s something we have missed.

“This will be terrific opportunity to play some really competitive games and gel as a team before the season proper gets underway,” Tarka said.

The team will depart on Monday June 18 and is scheduled to return Sunday July 1.

Match details as follows;

Sat June 23 - 5:00pm vs Selangor PKNS at PKNS Field, Petaling Jaya
Tues June 26 - 8:45pm vs Perak at Stadium Ipoh, Perak
Thurs June 28 - 5:30pm vs Penang at University Sains Malaysia, Penang
Sat June 30 - 5:00pm vs Police FC at Pulapol Ground, Kuala Lumpur

•  Have a view on this story? Send us your feedback!