Perth Glory’s squad has strong links with their round of 16 Westfield FFA Cup opponents when the Hyundai A-League club face St Albans Saints later this month.
The ties between the two clubs date back to England when Saints manager Toby Paterson was coached by Kenny Lowe, years before the pair moved to Australia.
And the match will be close to the heart of new Glory FC signing Diogo Ferreira. The Melbourne born midfielder has strong family ties to the Saints.
“As a junior I used to play against them all the time and Knights stadium is close to home.
“My brother in law was also their keeper last year so he’s upset he retired and can’t play against me,” he joked.
It’s just one of many links Perth Glory FC has with the Saints. It was at St Albans as a junior, where current Glory Football Operations Manager and former star Ante Kovacevic learnt his trade.
For six years Knights Stadium was his home while playing for the Saints’ sister club the Knights.
“As a youngster, playing for St Albans was like a second home to me. I started there from the age of seven and the club made me feel like I was part of a bigger family.
“It’s always fostered a tight knit community and it’s pleasing to see the club competing on a national scale,” said Kovacevic.
And he expected the Saints to come out fighting.
“I think you’ll see a spirited clash between us and St Albans, their fans are passionate and will provide a good backdrop and colour to this Cup clash.
“It will bring back some fond memories which will no doubt come flooding back to me but of course I want Perth Glory FC to win and progress to the eight and go all the way and win the cup.”
The match kicks off at 7.30pm, September 23 at Knights Stadium in Melbourne.
