Glory decision throws City plans offside

ANYONE interested in buying a soccer club?
By now news that Perth Glory is in receivership has reached the disappointed masses, including in Fremantle.
Despite concerns raised by StreetWise in August last year at http://bitly.ws/M7R and as recently as May this year by FBTL at http://bitly.ws/M7RW, the City of Fremantle continued business as usual to accommodate the troubled club.
So much for the sponsorship deal council is scheduled to vote on July 26. How will Mr Sage’s decision affect the City’s $37m redevelopment of Fremantle Oval and how much are Glory’s arrears, and who’s paying?
South Ward Cr Marija Vujcic warned the City at FPOL on July 12 the $111,613 sponsorship deal was risky given Glory’s financial problems.
This is confirmed in the FBTL report in which former Glory owner Nick Tana expressed his dismay at the ‘diabolical’ state of the up-for-sale A-League club, “pledging to step in with a rescue package if there is a threat of Glory going under”.
StreetWise reported in August 2022 the soccer club owed the City about $180,000 in outstanding rent plus GST, one of the biggest debts outstanding after more than 90 days.

Departing note

In a post to supporters, Mr Sage said his ‘family’ had invested millions into the club now under temporary control by the Australian Professional Leagues, which the FBTL article states was paying player’s wages.
He said the financial fallout of COVID and forced relocation from HBF Park last season for 10 of our 13 home games contributed to his decision to step down after 17 years.
A hint of something not right in the Glory camp, Mr Sage yesterday published two memes from The Sopranos and The Godfather (shown here).

Mr Sage’s full statement below:
“To the Glory family,
As the sole owner of the club for the past 17 years I can say in all honesty that it has taken a huge emotional, financial and time commitment ( only missed 4 home games) on my family’s part to sustain it and ensure that, Perth WA, continues to be represented at the elite level of Australian football.
In total, my family has invested many millions into the club, to put out a competitive Mens, Womens and Youth teams on the pitch to represent this great club and our state providing a genuine football pathway for all aspiring WA footballers.
This investment in football for WA was increased greatly and unsustainably by the impact of COVID-19 which decimated the club’s income streams and was then further compounded by our forced relocation from HBF Park last season for 10 of our 13 home games.
We are still in talks about compensation with the WA Government and trust they see the financial damage the relocation caused the Club especially after the two COVID ravaged seasons and our Stadium relocation.
The culmination of these events, and the damage they have caused, has made it all but impossible for our family to continue financing the club and has led us directly to the position we find ourselves in today. However with a clean slate the financial future of the Club does look very bright.
Therefore it is with profound sadness that I can confirm my decision to step down as owner of this wonderful football club which is so close to my heart and will always remain so.
I have often referred to Perth Glory as my fourth child and that provides an insight into just how profoundly difficult it is for me to step away.
However, I have always maintained that everything I do is in the best interests of the club and that commitment underpins this decision.
Australian Professional Leagues (APL) will take temporary control of the club in order to safeguard its future in the short-term while a buyer is found who can provide the level of financial support required to take Perth Glory FC forward and provide its members fans and sponsors with the success they demand and deserve.
My time as owner of the club may have come to an end, but I will always be incredibly proud of my family’s role in its history. As an extremely proud West Australian, it has been an incredible privilege to have been a custodian of this iconic brand.
My only regret is not achieving the “ultimate goal” of a Grand Final win. In our time we got to 7 memorable grand finals ( 2 A League 3 W League and 2 FFA Gf’s) and reached the Asian Champions League qualifiers.
I leave the Club with an academy rich in talent with over 15 of our young players in the Australian National teams’ system. This bodes well for the future of our great Club and our Leagues that are entering a new period of exciting prosperity.
I would like to thank everyone who has supported my family and I during this unforgettable journey.
Our genuine love for Perth Glory has never been stronger and we will always remain passionate supporters of the club.
Special thanks to you shed guys and gals. Never ever lose your passion.”
– Sagey

Additional Glory stories at www.streetwisemedia.com.au.