By Jon Ritson

After seven years in English football Hayden Foxe is back on Australian soil and has linked up with a coach he knows well.

Glory unveiled the former Socceroo this morning, the 30-year-old having agreed a two-year contract with the club.

Club spokesman Mark White said: “We’re delighted that Hayden has joined us and I know he’s excited about coming back to play here, the first time he’ll have played in a professional league in Australia.

“He said the A-League has a really good reputation in Europe and that is obviously great to hear.

“I know Ron is a huge fan of Hayden and is looking forward to working with him.”

The Glory coach and Foxe are hardly strangers though, having worked together during the player’s formative years. Foxe trained with his new colleagues for the first time today with former Melbourne Victory man James Robinson seemingly poised to follow, although that has yet to be confirmed.

Foxe’s travels in England took in West Ham United, Portsmouth and Leeds United before his summer exit from Elland Road. He has also played in both Holland (Ajax) and Japan (Sanfrecce Hiroshima).

A foot injury has disrupted his career in recent seasons but he was handed a deal with Leeds last year after spending pre-season with the Yorkshire club.
However, he was released following relegation to the third tier of English football in May.

A less punishing schedule of fixtures should also benefit both club and player over the coming months.

White said: “In England there are cases of players facing 60 games a season and obviously that isn’t going to be the case here.”

It all means plenty of smiles around the Members Equity Stadium. “There is a real sense of optimism here at Perth Glory. New owners, new attitude and a firm desire to be a real force in Australian football,” finished White.