Perth Glory can confirm that Shane Lowry’s contract has been cancelled by mutual consent to allow the defender to join Qatari club, Al Ahli SC Doha.
Glory will receive an undisclosed transfer fee for the 30-year-old who made 71 Hyundai A-League appearances in purple after arriving in 2015 and skippered the side on numerous occasions.
While acknowledging that the timing of Lowry’s departure is not ideal, Glory Football Director Jacob Burns believes that such moves are an inevitable consequence of the club’s stunning success last season.
“Winning the A-League Premiership put all of our players firmly in the shop window as far as Asia’s biggest and wealthiest clubs are concerned,” he said.
“As a result, moves such as Shane’s are to be expected, but we have plans in place to cover these eventualities and ensure that we maintain a strong, deep squad capable of securing sustained success for this football club.
“We would like to thank Shane for his outstanding service and commitment over the past four years and wish him all the best in the next stage of his career.”
Lowry himself, meanwhile, was quick to thank the members and fans for their support.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to enjoy a great relationship with the Glory members and fans ever since I arrived,” he said, “and I would like to say a huge thank you to them.
“Playing for my hometown club has meant a massive amount to me and I have loved every minute of it.
“I would like to take this opportunity to wish the team all the very best for the upcoming season.”
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