Perth Glory FC is proud to announce former striker and club legend Bobby Despotovski as the new Westfield W-League coach for the 2015/16 season.
Despotovksi played 241 games for Perth Glory between 1996 and 2007 and is the club’s all-time leading goal scorer (113 goals).
The 44-year old is no stranger to success. He won two, back to back National Soccer League championships in 2003 and 2004. In 2005/06 he was awarded the Johnny Warren medal which is presented to the best player in the Hyundai A-League. He was also won the Golden Boot in the same year.
The former Socceroo has been appointed to the role after taking helm of the Perth Glory reserves (U-20s) team in the National Premier League, which currently sits at the top of the ladder.
Despotovski, said he was looking forward to coaching on the national stage, especially for a club he has adored since his playing days.
“I’ve had great times here at Perth, from scoring goals to winning trophies, now I’m determined for silverware as a coach.”
“I know we have the passion and determination to claim the highest honour in Australian women’s football” he said.
“I’d also like to acknowledge my predecessor and former teammate Jamie Harnwell who led the Women’s team to the Grand Final last season. He had a stellar season and achieved a lot. Hopefully this year, we can go one step further”.
Despotovski will be joined by retired Perth Glory Women’s captain and Matilda, Collette McCallum, who has been named Assistant coach.
McCallum played 50 W-League games for the Glory Women and made 81 appearances for Australia, scoring 11 goals for the Matildas.
“I’m thankful to still be involved with the team and I am looking forward to learning as much as I can from Bobby and Kenny” the former midfielder said.
Perth Glory Head Coach Kenny Lowe said he had been impressed by Despotovski’s effort with the NPL side.
“Bobby’s obviously been a fantastic servant to the club, who has done a great job with the NPL lads and watching on as a fellow coach, and I think he has what it takes”.
“As for Collette, she’s a fantastic person, a great player and has the right qualities to complement Bobby. I think it will be a great team”.
Recruitment for W-League players will commence in the coming weeks.
The W-League season kicks-off on October 17.
From July 1, the Glory Women’s team came under the ownership of Perth Glory FC. It had been previously administered by Football West for the past seven years.
