Perth Glory’s 15-year silverware drought is over
after Tony Popovic’s men secured the A-League’s Premiers Plate with a
1-0 win over Newcastle.
Glory, who started Sunday’s match five points clear of nearest rival Sydney FC, knew a victory over the Jets would be enough to guarantee top spot with two rounds to spare.
Ivan Franjic’s 65th-minute strike gave Glory all they needed in front of 11,349 fans at HBF Park, delivering the club its first piece of silverware since winning the 2004 Championship in the now-defunct NSL. It also guaranteed Glory a berth in next season’s Asian Champions League.
Mark Rudan to leave Phoenix, linked with Western United role
The A-League’s worst kept secret has been confirmed, with Wellington Phoenix announcing Mark Rudan will depart the club at the end of the season.
Rudan has guided the Nix to the finals series in his debut season, with a home semi-final still on the cards.
His success has seen him linked to other positions, notably the head coach role at new A-League club Western United.
Rudan has made no secret of his struggles being away from his Sydney-based family, but in a statement said the decision to depart the Nix was a difficult one.
“This has been one of the most difficult decisions I’ve had to make in my career. I came here wanting a project I could sink my teeth into and really make a difference to our sport,” Rudan said.
