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Sturridge's low-key Glory exit confirmed

3 minute read

Former England international Daniel Sturridge has officially been released by Perth Glory following the expiry of his contract.

DANIEL STURRIDGE of the Glory.
DANIEL STURRIDGE of the Glory. Picture: Albert Perez/Getty Images

Daniel Sturridge's inglorious time at Perth Glory has officially come to an end, with the former Liverpool star barely given a mention as the club farewelled seven of their players.

Sturridge's arrival at Glory following more than 18 months out of the game was met with huge fanfare at the start of the A-League Men season.

But the former England international barely broke out of a jog during his doomed stint in Perth, notching just six appearances for a total of 139 minutes.

Five of those appearances were cameos off the bench, with three separate stints in quarantine, a serious groin injury and some soft tissue niggles limiting his availability.

Glory confirmed on Friday the departure of Sturridge, Nick Fitzgerald, Osama Malik and Darko Stanojevic following the expiry of their contracts.

"Injuries unfortunately restricted Sturridge to just six appearances," was the only mention of Sturridge in the media release.

Jonathan Aspropotamitis was granted an early release from his contract, while striker Andy Keogh has retired and is now Glory's head of recruitment.

Young defender Josh Rawlins has joined Dutch Eredivisie club FC Utrecht.

Sturridge didn't appear at the club's best and fairest awards and it was already confirmed during the season that Glory were unlikely to re-sign him.

The 32-year-old's career is now at the crossroads, with his injury woes set to dissuade a host of cashed-up clubs from signing him.

Glory confirmed on Thursday that Ruben Zadkovich has been signed on as coach for the next two seasons.

Former Wolverhampton Wanderers, Millwall and Portsmouth assistant Joe Gallen will be Zadkovich's senior assistant.

Former Glory coach Kenny Lowe has been appointed PGFC academy director, while Glory's NSL title-winning coach Mich d'Avray will become the club's technical consultant.

Former Socceroo Chris Coyne will serve as an assistant coach as well as the club's NPL coach.

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