Cult hero Harnwell puts his hand up
Perth Glory legend Jamie Harnwell has been hurt by the recent turmoil surrounding the club, but would jump at the chance to step in and help turn its fortunes around.
The former Glory captain and games record holder made more than 250 appearances for Perth and is in his third season in charge of the club's women's team.
Harnwell watched on as the bitter feud between coaching staff and senior players tore Glory apart over the past week, culminating in the sacking of his former teammate Alistair Edwards as coach.
Edwards yesterday thanked fans for their support but said in a statement to thewest.com.au and other media outlets that he was "not minded to engage in a public war of words with the chairman or the representatives of the club".
Having recently completed his coaching A-licence, Harnwell is eligible for an A-League role.
But he has not yet been contacted by Glory chief executive Jason Brewer, who is searching for a coach ahead of Sunday's home game against Adelaide United.
"I've just been on the outside watching on as most people are, trying to figure out what's going on and seeing what's happening," Harnwell said.
"It's never nice seeing the club in the headlines for the wrong reasons and it's happened a few more times than everyone would like, but hopefully it's the last time it will be for a while and they can move forwards."
Harnwell led Glory's women's team to the W-League semifinals last season and became a cult figure during more than a decade as a player.
Harnwell understands it would be difficult to manage the Glory squad after the recent turmoil.
"Whoever takes that role, it's not going to be an easy one," Harnwell said.
"It's a shame it's come to the way it has and I've got some very good friends on both sides of the equation in the club as well."
Despite the situation, Harnwell said he would jump at the chance to take over at Glory.
"It's no secret how long I've been around for and how passionate I've been about the club," Harnwell said.
"It would be a pretty simple decision if anything was offered."
