Perth Glory is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of the club’s former Assistant Manager and Interim Manager Alan Vest at the age of 86.
Originally from Barnsley in the UK, the man known universally as “Vestie” played in the higher echelons of English non-league football before moving to New Zealand and then Australia in the early 1970s.
An industrious forward, he earned 17 senior caps for New Zealand and scored the first of his six international goals on debut against New Caledonia in 1972.
Prior to joining Glory, he enjoyed great coaching success in Malaysia, guiding Sarawak FA to the 1992 FA Cup, 1997 Malaysia Premier League and 1998 Charity Shield.
More silverware followed when he joined Glory in 2001 and worked as Mich d’Avray’s assistant as the club securing two NSL Championships and two Premierships over the next three years.
One of Vest’s most iconic moments occurred during the first season of the A-League when he was tasked with removing Damian Mori’s wedding ring at the referee’s insistence just moments into the Round 9 home clash with Melbourne Victory.
Despite his best efforts, the ring would not budge, Mori had to be substituted and his replacement, Brian Deane, duly scored what proved to be his only goal for the club.
He duly took temporary charge of the side for the final six games of the 2005/06 campaign following the departure of Head Coach Steve McMahon.
Vestie will be fondly remembered as a fantastic, warm character and for his dedication to family and football and the club would like to extend its deepest condolences to his family and friends.
A funeral service for Alan will be held in the East Chapel of Pinnaroo Valley Memorial Park on Monday 17 November at 2pm.
Vale Vestie
#ONEGlory
Vale Alan Vest
