Perth Glory has ushered in a new era, appointing former player and assistant coach Adam Griffiths as the new head of its A-League Men's team. The 44-year-old steps into the top job following a period as interim coach, tasked with steering the club back to success after a challenging season.
From the Pitch to the Dugout: A Football Life
Adam Griffiths' connection to football is deeply rooted in family and a lifetime in the sport. The brother of former Socceroo Joel Griffiths, Adam's own playing career was extensive. He began his professional journey in the old National Soccer League with Sydney United and Parramatta Power before embarking on a significant overseas career.
His playing path took him across Europe and Asia, with notable stints at clubs like Newcastle United in England, where he played for the reserves, and VVV-Venlo in the Netherlands. He also enjoyed a successful period in China with clubs including Hangzhou Greentown and Shanghai Shenhua, where he played alongside his brother Joel. Griffiths also represented the Australian Under-23 team, the Olyroos, at the 2004 Athens Olympics.
Returning Home to Forge a Coaching Path
After hanging up his boots, Griffiths transitioned into coaching, determined to build a new career from the ground up. He started at the grassroots level in New South Wales before returning to Perth, a city he knew well from his final playing days with Glory in the 2013-14 season.
His coaching resume within the Glory system is impressive. Griffiths has been instrumental in developing young talent, serving as head coach of the club's Under-23s in the NPL and as an assistant coach for the A-League Women's side. This broad experience across youth and senior football, both men's and women's, provided a unique foundation for his current role.
"I had to start from the bottom," Griffiths reflected on his coaching beginnings. "I did all my badges, I coached NPL, I coached women's football, I coached men's football, I coached youth. I wanted to be a sponge and learn as much as I could."
Embracing the Glory Challenge with a Clear Vision
Appointed initially as interim coach in late April after the departure of Alen Stajcic, Griffiths now has the opportunity to implement his long-term philosophy. He acknowledges the difficulties of the past season, where the team finished at the bottom of the ladder, but is focused on building a resilient and attractive style of play.
His vision for Perth Glory is clear: to create a team that is hard to beat, disciplined, and exciting to watch. He emphasises the importance of a strong defensive structure as the platform for success. Griffiths is also keen to continue the club's proud tradition of promoting local talent, blending promising youngsters with experienced players to build a competitive squad.
The new coach is under no illusions about the task ahead but is energised by the challenge. With pre-season preparations now his primary focus, Griffiths is working closely with the football department to recruit players who fit his system and embody the fighting spirit he wants associated with Perth Glory.
"We want to be a team that's hard to play against, that's for sure," Griffiths stated. "I want us to be disciplined, organised, but I also want us to play an attractive brand of football... It's about making the members and fans proud." The journey for Adam Griffiths and Perth Glory begins now, with the aim of returning the club to its former heights in the A-League Men's competition.
