Mitchell took the reigns as caretaker coach a month ago and since that time has quickly turned Perth’s fortunes around.

The club registered its first win of the season in his debut match in charge while he has also delivered Perth’s first home win in over a year.

Perth Glory co-Chairman Tony Sage said recent on-field results were only a small part of why the owners wanted to secure the signature of Mitchell sooner rather than later.

“When we installed Dave as caretaker coach we had enormous faith in his ability to get the job done and that has been obvious watching the team’s performances in just a short space of time,” said Sage.

“We think Dave has all the right ingredients to take Perth to the next level and the announcement of his coaching tenure has been timed as such to allow him ample opportunity to retain and recruit players for next season.”

The club had received expressions of interest about the head coaching position from many highly rated candidates however the owners believe they have secured the right man with Mitchell’s proven ability to get the best of players plus his strong network of contacts throughout world football placing him above other contenders.

“Dave has shown a deep passion for Perth and the future success of the team. He has spoken to us on numerous occasions about his plans for the future and we wholeheartedly share in his vision of building this club into a powerhouse,” said fellow co-Chairman Brett McKeon.

Mitchell said he was delighted to secure the head coaching role at Perth next season and is confident the recent gains on the pitch are just the start of good things to come for the club.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working at the club during the past 18 months. The last four weeks as caretaker coach have been challenging yet ultimately rewarding for not just myself but the players, staff and fans,” Mitchell said.

“The owners have made a significant commitment and I’m looking forward to cementing my plans for the future and delivering on the ultimate aim of playing finals football and winning a championship.

“I see no reason why the club couldn’t be competing at that level consistently and I think our recent performances indicate that.

“I have already started scouting for next season however this campaign is still very much alive and we must maintain a focus on continuing to get the results in our remaining matches.”

That job starts immediately for Mitchell who raced from the announcement this morning to board a plane for Wellington where Perth tackles the Phoenix on Friday.

“Dave has been influential in helping pick the club up off the floor and has quickly made his presence felt in the head coaching position. He has a vast amount of experience both as a player and a coach and we are confident he is the man to steer this club into a new purple patch,” Sage added.

David Mitchell
DOB: 13 June 1962 (Scotland) – raised in South Australia

Main coaching roles:
NSL: Sydney Olympic 1996–1997, Sydney United 1997–1999, Parramatta Power 1999–2002 (Inaugural Head Coach).
Malaysia: Sarawak FC 2005
Hyundai A-League: Perth Glory assistant coach 2006/07, 2007/08

Coaching Honours: 1998/99 NSL Coach of the Year, 1998/99 NSL Premiers, 1998/99 NSL Grand Finalist

Representative honours: 1981 – 1993 Socceroos 44 games (15 goals) – including four FIFA World Cup qualifying campaigns.

Other Honours: 2006 Australian Football Hall of Fame - ‘Hall of Champions’ Inductee, 2007 South Australian Football Hall of Fame