Lowe wins race for Glory job
UPDATE: Perth Glory have confirmed interim coach Kenny Lowe has won the permanent role.
Lowe spent 17 games in charge after taking over from sacked former coach Alistair Edwards this season, guiding Glory to eighth place on the ladder.
His record of four wins, four draws and nine losses included a 10-game winless streak.
Lowe, previously an assistant manager at the club under Dave Mitchell, will sign a two-year contract.
Lowe was coy when contacted by thewest.com.au yesterday, but Glory this afternoon confirmed he had been chosen for the permanent role ahead of at least two European candidates.
“Kenny Lowe is the best fit for this club in terms delivering on the club's strategy and achieving success for all involved and associated with the club, both on and off the pitch,” Glory chief executive Jason Brewer said in a statement released by the club.
“He is one of the most qualified coaches in the country, with his AFC Pro Licence, and he is by far the best youth development coach in Australia, nobody knows the talent that we have in this state better than Kenny Lowe.
“Kenny’s appointment comes after an extremely focused and intense process and I’m positive that we have made the right choice.
“He’s the most prepared for the job by far.
“When he first came in as interim head coach, he already had analysed every game over the past two seasons, he already knew which players he thought the squad needed and he already had an idea on what type of improvements the footballing department needed to ensure long-term success.”
“Another key point of difference with Kenny is that he’s passionate
“We had candidates that matched Kenny’s talent, but none matched his passion, and I believe that is what we need more of in this club.
"Every player, coach, admin member and volunteer must match the passion of the supporters and members for this club to be great again. That’s what we need to pride ourselves on.”
Several senior players spoke publicly in support of Lowe this year.
