Kenny Lowe continuing to mastermind Perth Glory’s stunning resurgence

Kenny Lowe continuing to mastermind Perth Glory’s stunning resurgence

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Kenny Lowe.

He’s the man at the centre of Perth Glory’s charge to the A-League finals. Ten wins from the last 11 matches and a record 14,504 strong crowd in the Glory’s stunning win against Melbourne City. The passion, atmosphere and a big purple haze have returned to nib Stadium after the tumultuous off-field issues of last season.

Lowe was quick to deflect his side’s individual performances over the weekend and last 11 matches, saying: “it was a team effort”. But make no mistake, there is one person in charge that has created the hysteria in Perth. That is the coach himself.

Lowe’s knack for getting the best out of players, keeping upbeat and keeping his men focused on the task at hand has been second to none this year. We have seen teams from rival codes have hefty punishments branded to them over the last few years due to off-field issues. It has ultimately led to those teams struggling to keep things together on the field of play.

The start of the year was ugly for Perth. Four points in the opening eight matches were signs of the salary cap punishment playing out onto the field. Amid all the drama and pressure placed on him, Lowe stayed positive. In his press conference after the team’s 3-2 victory over Melbourne City, he lauded his team’s effort during the form slump.

“If you look at the beginning of the season the only thing we weren’t doing was picking up points. We were actually in every single game and very competitive,” Lowe said.

Since the start of the year, Lowe’s men have looked completely rejuvenated. It has been on the back of a simple 4-4-2 formation, which has seen the likes of marquee signing Diego Castro and star forward Andy Keogh thrive up front.

It leads on to an underlying asset of Lowe that is not lauded enough in the A-League fraternity: His ability to identify talent. Keogh, for instance.


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We all harp on about Bruno Fornaroli – understandably so. However, Keogh’s contribution to Perth has been phenomenal. He scored his ninth goal in eight matches, which breaks the record for consecutive goals in the history of the A-League. Tie this in with white-hot left-winger and league form player Diego Castro, whom Lowe signed as Glory’s marquee at the start of the season, and you have yourself a deadly duo up front.

Lowe also identified a weakness in the back half and duly signed Ante Covic as a replacement for Danny Vukovic. Covic has given his side a level head throughout this season and some vocal leadership on the pitch.

The Glory are playing with freedom now. They are playing with confidence up front and tenacity and calmness down back.

Lowe’s passion has worn off on his players and fans. He is constantly animated at officials and his players and he celebrates goals like a madman. The roar from the Glory faithful when Castro buried that stunning volley on Sunday night was deafening.

Lowe is the coach Perth football has needed since the inception of this competition. He has got his side back up and about. He is getting backsides on seats in Perth. From his recruiting to his character, he deserves every bit of praise.

With the form Lowe’s men are in, the salary cap issues look as though they have been well and truly laid to rest.

It is onwards and upwards towards the A-League finals now for Perth. Glory fans might even have their own King Kenny when the season is done.

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