A new era has begun for Western Australian football with the announcement of Michael Thwaite as captain of Perth Glory FC.
The 31-year old Brisbane born defender was unveiled as the team’s new leader at a packed season launch at nib Stadium this morning.
The father of two takes over the reins from former skipper, Jacob Burns who served five seasons at the club, all of them as leader.
Thwaite took out the gong for ‘Most Glorious Player’ in the 2013/14 Hyundai A-League season and has been rewarded with the prestige of the team captaincy.
“I am deeply humbled and proud to be given such a privilege” Thwaite said.
“I’d like to thank Coach Kenny Lowe and assistant Andy Ord for having faith in me and allowing me to lead the team on the park, week in, week out” he added.
“It’s a tremendous honour to be named captain of Perth Glory FC and I will do my best to lead by example and help inspire my team mates and ensure the team is taken to unchartered territory in season 10 of the Hyundai A-League”
Perth Glory FC coach Kenny Lowe said there were a number of contenders for the role but at the end of the day he felt Thwaite, who has earned 13 caps for the Socceroos would bring in the experience and leadership required in this season’s new look team, which boast seven new players.
“This is Michael’s third season at the club, he’s played overseas and being a young father, he’s got the skills to get through to players in the heat of battle and inspire them to pick up their game” Lowe said.
Thwaite was one of two Glory players, along with new recruit Youssouf Hersi, who were named in the Hyundai A-League all-stars team, to take on Italian giants Juventus in an exhibition match in Sydney during the pre-season.
Thwaite will lead Perth Glory FC in the team’s first Hyundai A-League match away in Wellington, New Zealand, against the Phoenix on Sunday.
Kick-off is at 12 pm (WST).
The game will be shown Live on Fox Sports 1 (channel 501).
