Perth Glory have made a double National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s swoop by snagging 2019 Player of the Year/Golden Boot winner Thomas James from the Wollongong Wolves and versatile Sydney United 58 midfielder Yianni Perkatis for the remaining A-League season kicking off this weekend.
James shot to fame in 2019 when he pulverized the NPL NSW Men’s competition as the 27-year-old bagged 24 goals in the Wollongong Wolves’ fantastic run to clinching the Premiership and NPL Finals Series Championship.
It was only time until an A-League club realized the potential the London-born striker had to strut it with the best of them in Australia’s premier competition.
“This was the solid offer that I was waiting for and from a top club like Perth Glory, it was impossible to knock back,” he said.
“Now I just want to enjoy every minute, have no regrets and get on the field as much as I can because I know I’ll score a few goals, that’s for sure.
“I was actually in hospital when I found out about Glory’s interest because I’d just had a new-born baby boy, so I was super-excited about the birth of my child and about the opportunity to play for Perth.”
While it will be a case of reuniting with his former coach Tony Popovic as Perkatis has also joined the Glory on a short-term deal.
The 26-year-old had Popovic as his coach during his time at the Western Sydney Wanderers, is relishing the opportunity to showcase his potential once more in the A-League.
“I was thrilled when Tony Popovic told me there was a potential opportunity for me to come and join the Glory squad,” he said.
“I’m now really excited and looking forward to coming into the squad and getting to know the other players.
“I’m aiming to develop as a player and as a person, help the club to win a trophy and explore any opportunities there might be with Perth going into next season.”
Both players will link up with the rest of the Glory squad upon their arrival in Sydney in the coming days.