McGarry swaps snow for sun in Glory quest
Midfielder Steven McGarry admitted he had taken a risk in turning down an opportunity to stay in the Scottish Premier League and opting instead to try his luck with Perth Glory.
The 30-year-old has swapped the snow for sun and trained with Glory for the first time today. If all goes well, he will sign a deal with the club and start a new chapter in his professional career.
"It could be a life-changing experience for me and my wife and we're willing to do that if things are right," he said today.
McGarry, who started his professional career at St Mirren, had endured a frustrating spell under Motherwell boss Jim Gannon but appeared to have been handed a fresh opportunity when a new manager took over at Fir Park last month.
"Before I left, the manager I wasn't getting on with got sacked and the old Scotland boss Craig Brown and Archie Knox, former Manchester United assistant manger, took over and actually wanted me to stay, so I was in a bit of a dilemma," McGarry said.
He made his first SPL appearance of the season in a December 30 defeat to Hearts in Edinburgh - Brown's first match in charge - but decided against staying with Motherwell.
"I just decided to take a risk and come out and have a look. I'm out here, I'm feeling good and feeling fit and we'll see how things go in the next couple of days. I'm out here to make an impression."
McGarry slotted straight into training and looked sharp and in good touch throughout his first session. But adjusting to the heat will present its own challenges for a player used to Scotland's freezing winter temperatures. McGarry said a thick blanket of snow had fallen just prior to him flying out for Perth.
"At Motherwell we had a UEFA Cup qualifying tie in Albania and I think it was about 33 or 34 degrees so that was quite tough going," McGarry said of his only other experience of playing in hot weather.
Glory have an import spot available following the departure of Eugene Dadi to Wellington Phoenix and coach Dave Mitchell has already been impressed by McGarry.
"It's only his first session and he's just off a plane from Scotland but he looked good," Mitchell said. "He's enthusiastic and he looks like he would be a good addition for us."
