Perth lands Lazaridis

Stan Lazaridis has revealed a genuine desire to see WA football boom again was behind his decision to sign a two-year deal with A-League club Perth Glory.

The former Birmingham City and West Ham United flyer could have reaped more money in England, where he has enjoyed more than a decade in the game, or taken up a lucrative deal in Europe, the Middle East or even the eastern Australian States.

But he has forfeited around $500,000 to return to his home town where it is believed he will earn about $300,000 a season.

Speaking publicly for the first time since agreeing to his new deal, Lazaridis, 33, told The West Australian he wanted to be part of a Glory revolution after the once benchmark club's disappointing inaugural A-League campaign.

"To see the club in a difficult situation is obviously disappointing," Lazaridis said.

"Hopefully I'll make an impact here because that's what I'm looking to do. I've got a huge amount of pride and when I play I want to be the best on the park."

Family and commercial reasons - he has invested in property in Perth - were also factors for his return to Perth but Lazaridis was adamant he would give everything on the field to lead Glory to the finals this season.

"This is a big challenge and it's also the right move for me and my family," Lazaridis said. "(But) I've got to deliver. It's a good pressure (I'm going to be under)."

"Last season was probably poor for Perth Glory. They should be finishing in the top four and that is going to be the aim this season."

Lazaridis is fit and fresh after spending more than a month in Guus Hiddink's Socceroos squad, though he never got to achieve a long-held dream of playing in a World Cup.

The former WA State League midfielder, who was signed for the Hammers from National Soccer League side West Adelaide in 1995, was used sparingly in the build-up to the tournament and did not play in Germany.

His future, though, was already on solid ground with a number of clubs queuing up to sign him after Australia had crashed out.

Adelaide United had been leading the race before governing body Football Federation Australia took over Glory - who are still without a coach - in the wake of owner Nick Tana's departure.

United coach John Kosmina, who spoke with Lazaridis in Germany during the World Cup, said he was disappointed with the player's u-turn but stopped short of criticising the FFA's role in the move.

"There's always gremlins in the forest somewhere," Kosmina said. "He was there (for us) one minute and gone the next so you do wonder what's gone on."

Lazaridis said he was keen to play a lasting role at Glory and anticipated being involved at the club well beyond the term of his two-year deal.

"I don't see myself being a manager or a coach, but I'd like to work within the club, maybe trying to help with recruiting players with the contacts I have," he said.

He also felt former Glory skipper Shaun Murphy, now 35, had something to offer despite having not played since Glory's grand final success in April, 2004.

Meanwhile, Australia's technical director Ron Smith has re-emerged as a front runner to take over as Glory coach.

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