PERTH Glory have released captain Simon Colosimo and midfielder Leo Bertos after ceasing contract negotiations today, sparking speculation the ex-skipper may now join Sydney.
The decision was made following lengthy discussions between Glory Coach Dave Mitchell and the players’ agent in Sydney today.
It is believed that Bertos will return home to Wellington, New Zealand, where he is expected to join Phoenix while Colosimo’s immediate playing future is unknown.
However he has been widely tipped to be a target for Sydney for next season.
With Sydney's loan danger Michael Bridges now gone, it's possible the Sky Blues may move to sign Colosimo on a temporary contract to cover for the injured Michael Enfield for the finals before making the move permanent next season.
Sydney also have room to sign Colosimo under the salary cap following the departure of Mark Rudan to Japan.
Mitchell said while he is disappointed to see two talented players leave Perth he is confident of finding more than adequate replacements for the pair.
“Simon and Leo have served the club well and on behalf of Perth Glory I’d like to wish them, and their families, all the best for the future,” Mitchell said.
“It is certainly their prerogative to look around, as they were out of contract, and both leave the club on good terms.
“It simply means that we will be able to bring in new and passionate players that want to be at the club and we’re well down the path of securing the services of quality personnel,” said Mitchell.
Colosimo played 50 Hyundai A-League games for Perth and 64 in total after playing the 2003/04 National Soccer League season with the club where he won a Championship medal.
Bertos joined Perth in 2006 and played 35 matches in two seasons.
Mitchell has spent this week meeting with agents in Australia while also talking with talent scouts around the globe who have identified players who fit the mould for a new look Perth Glory.
“I have been in contact with a lot of people that I know in the game and there are things in motion already but it’ll be a bit of a waiting game now to finalise things contractually.
“We have to make sure that people who come to Perth are winners and have the right mental attitude and strength who’ll fight hard to take this club to the top again,” he said
It is believed that Bertos will return home to Wellington, New Zealand, where he is expected to join Phoenix while Colosimo’s immediate playing future is unknown.
However he has been widely tipped to be a target for Sydney for next season.
With Sydney's loan danger Michael Bridges now gone, it's possible the Sky Blues may move to sign Colosimo on a temporary contract to cover for the injured Michael Enfield for the finals before making the move permanent next season.
Sydney also have room to sign Colosimo under the salary cap following the departure of Mark Rudan to Japan.
Mitchell said while he is disappointed to see two talented players leave Perth he is confident of finding more than adequate replacements for the pair.
“Simon and Leo have served the club well and on behalf of Perth Glory I’d like to wish them, and their families, all the best for the future,” Mitchell said.
“It is certainly their prerogative to look around, as they were out of contract, and both leave the club on good terms.
“It simply means that we will be able to bring in new and passionate players that want to be at the club and we’re well down the path of securing the services of quality personnel,” said Mitchell.
Colosimo played 50 Hyundai A-League games for Perth and 64 in total after playing the 2003/04 National Soccer League season with the club where he won a Championship medal.
Bertos joined Perth in 2006 and played 35 matches in two seasons.
Mitchell has spent this week meeting with agents in Australia while also talking with talent scouts around the globe who have identified players who fit the mould for a new look Perth Glory.
“I have been in contact with a lot of people that I know in the game and there are things in motion already but it’ll be a bit of a waiting game now to finalise things contractually.
“We have to make sure that people who come to Perth are winners and have the right mental attitude and strength who’ll fight hard to take this club to the top again,” he said
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