Perth Glory can confirm that its Liberty A-League Head Coach, Alex Epakis, has given notice of his intention to depart the club at the end of July for personal reasons.
Epakis is the longest-serving Head Coach in Glory’s ALW history having overseen 66 games across the past four seasons.
Although his tenure coincided with some challenging times for the club, the 33-year-old viewed it as an overwhelmingly positive experience at both a personal and professional level.
“Despite the strategy and plans collectively put in place for next season by myself, Football Director Stan Lazaridis and CEO Anthony Radich, I have made the difficult decision to step down from my position due to personal reasons,” he said.
“The ongoing support of Anthony, Stan and previous management has been exceptional across my time at the club and I appreciate their understanding of my decision.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed the challenge and opportunity of coaching the Perth Glory ALW team.
“It has been an experience which won’t be forgotten and a responsibility which I have sincerely valued.
“To the best of my ability, I was unwavering in my attempt to lead the squad, achieve on-field competitiveness and foster a strong team identity during a period of great uncertainty for the club.
“I am deeply appreciative of the connection formed with all the Members, fans and sponsors and the support they provided for the team.
“I have also hugely valued the opportunity to work with the players and staff across the four seasons.
“I’m extremely grateful to the playing group for the respect and belief they’ve shown me across my tenure, and I wish them all the absolute best.
“I believe the club is heading in the right direction and that the strong leadership of Anthony, Stan and the Pelligra Group will no doubt return Perth Glory to its competitive best.
“I look forward to seeing the club progress and achieve future success.”
Radich, meanwhile, acknowledged the dedication and resilience shown by the outgoing Head Coach.
“Alex has made a significant contribution to the club over the past four years and we will be very sad to see him go,” he said.
“That said, we understand the personal sacrifices he has made and appreciate that he now needs to reassess and reset.
“Alex has worked incredibly hard to strengthen our ALW program and laid a very solid foundation for his successor to build upon as the club moves forward.
“On behalf of everyone associated with the club, I would like to sincerely thank him for all his efforts and wish him all the very best for the future.”
The club will confirm the appointment of a new ALW Head Coach in due course.
Source: Perthglory.com.au
