Individuals with a foot in both camps have been something of a recurring theme in Glory’s pre-season campaign this year.
Our clash with Inglewood United saw Andy Keogh playing against the side that he currently coaches, while inaugural Glory boss Gary Marocchi was on hand at Dorrien Gardens when we took on Perth SC, the club at which he is now president.
Then there was our visit to Cockburn City where we renewed acquaintances with club legend Scott Miller, along with a host of players who had previously been involved in our junior and senior set ups.
And at the risk of employing one of the most over-used words in football, this narrative is set to continue tonight when Steve Purton lines up for the WA State Team against Glory at Forrestfield.
Because in addition to being a key part of Subiaco’s PS4 NPLWA squad, Purton is also one of our Community and Development coaches and he’s relishing the prospect of coming up against some familiar faces in the friendly clash at Hartfield Park.
“I’m not sure exactly who will be lining up for Glory,” he said. “but I work alongside a few of the youth players and often meet the senior lads when they’re on their player appearance and community duties, so it’ll be interesting to come up against them on the other side of the white line.”
Purton (third from left) in action for Subiaco
The 29-year-old, who was previously a trainee at English club Stevenage, is one of five Subiaco players set to feature this evening, along with the club’s Head Coach Ian McMurray who will take charge of the State Team for the first time.
And the versatile defender feels that despite the team’s lack of preparation time, they are still capable of giving Glory a test.
“We’ve got some good players in the squad,” he said, “and we’re all determined to do ourselves justice and put in a good performance.
“I’m really looking forward to testing myself against the likes of Andy [Keogh] and Taggs [Adam Taggart] and hopefully there’ll be a good crowd there to see the game.”
Kick off at Hartfield Park is at 7pm and admission is FREE so do get along and lend the lads [and Steve!] your support if you can.
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