Perth Glory chief executive Anthony Radich has thrown his full support behind head coach Adam Griffiths after the club handed him a contract extension, insisting the A-League Men's side is on the right path despite a challenging start to the season.
Griffiths, who took over as interim coach midway through last season, was given a permanent role in the off-season and has now been rewarded with an extension that will keep him at the helm until the end of the 2025-26 campaign. The decision comes as the Glory sit near the bottom of the table with just one win from their opening 10 matches.
However, Radich remains confident that Griffiths is the right man to lead the club forward, pointing to the progress made both on and off the field. 'We have seen significant improvement in the squad's performance and culture since Adam took charge,' Radich told The West Australian. 'He has a clear vision for the team and is building something special here.'
The extension is a show of faith from the club's hierarchy, who believe stability is key to turning around the Glory's fortunes. 'We are not looking for short-term fixes,' Radich added. 'We want to build a sustainable, successful club, and Adam is an integral part of that plan.'
Griffiths, a former Perth Glory player, has been praised for his ability to develop young talent and implement an attacking style of football. Under his guidance, the team has shown flashes of promise, including a memorable 3-2 win over Melbourne Victory in November.
Despite the positive signs, the pressure remains on Griffiths to deliver results. The Glory's next fixture is a crucial clash against bottom-placed Brisbane Roar, where anything less than three points could intensify scrutiny on the coach.
Radich, however, urged patience from fans and critics alike. 'Rome wasn't built in a day,' he said. 'We are committed to the process and believe Adam is the right person to lead us back to where we belong.'
Building for the Future
Perth Glory have been active in the transfer market, bringing in several young players to complement the experienced core. The club's recruitment strategy under Griffiths has focused on signing players who fit his system and share the club's ethos.
One of the key signings was midfielder Jake Brimmer, who joined from Melbourne Victory and has already become a fan favourite. Brimmer's creativity and work rate have added a new dimension to the Glory's midfield, and Griffiths has been instrumental in integrating him into the team.
The coach has also shown faith in academy graduates, with several youngsters making their first-team debuts this season. This commitment to youth development aligns with the club's long-term vision.
Fan Reactions
The announcement of Griffiths' extension has drawn mixed reactions from the Perth Glory faithful. While some supporters are optimistic about the direction of the club, others remain skeptical given the team's inconsistent form.
One fan, speaking to The West Australian, said: 'I like Adam's style of play, but we need results. If we don't start winning soon, the pressure will mount.' Another supporter added: 'It's good to see the club sticking with a coach. We need stability after all the turmoil of recent years.'
The Glory have endured a turbulent period, with multiple coaching changes and off-field issues affecting the club's stability. Radich believes that by backing Griffiths, the club can finally move forward.
'We have turned a corner,' Radich said. 'The players are buying into Adam's philosophy, and the culture within the squad is the best it has been in years. The results will come.'
Perth Glory will be hoping to kick-start their season when they host Brisbane Roar at HBF Park on Saturday night.
