Perth Glory’s squad for next season continues to take shape with Steve Pantelidis and Dean Heffernan signing new deals.
Pantelidis was a revelation last season, as the midfielder became an integral part of the Perth Glory defence alongside Bas van den Brink.
“Steve was fantastic for us,” Perth Glory coach Ian Ferguson said. “He came into the team and filled a variety of gaps especially at centre back.”
Heffernan’s arrival in 2012 also coincided with the club’s charge into the finals.
“We still haven’t seen the best of Dean Heffernan,” Ferguson added. “Dean will be even better once he gets a full pre-season completed.
“Both players are very good signings for the club.”
After missing the first 9nonegames of the season with injury, Pantelidis played in every game after that, receiving rave reviews.
“I’d like to thank Ian Ferguson and Perth Glory,” Pantelidis said.
“When I returned from Indonesia I wasn’t sure if I’d return to the Hyundai A-League and I am very thankful Ian gave me that chance.
“I thoroughly enjoyed my Football and my first season with Perth Glory and the aim is now to build on this year’s campaign.”
Like Pantelidis, Heffernan also thanked Ian Ferguson and said the focus is to make sure Perth Glory remain a force in the A-League.
“Losing the Grand Final was a massive disappointment but now we need to make sure we can improve so that we challenge again next season,” Heffernan said.
“All the players are determined to go one step better.”
Perth Glory has 18 contracted players for the 2012/13 Hyundai A-League season.
The playing squad is currently on annual leave and will return for pre-season training on June 11 2012.