Perth Glory set for English Takeover

Image via Fox Sports

After a few tough seasons financially, Perth Glory and owner Tony Sage have found a potential investor overseas.

The London Football Exchange (LFE), a company that Sage is chairman of, is reportedly going to buy 80% of the Western Australian side, following a near $3 million loss at the end of last season.

Sage broke the news on Perth’s 6PR radio station earlier this week, proclaiming that the A-League is only going to go from strength to strength in the next few years.

“I wanted to retain (a share) because I think the future of Australian football is going to be huge,” Sage said. “We’ll be part of a group that has six or seven clubs in it over the next two years.

“I came across a group in London that have a fantastic vision for football.”

“From about next season, the owners will own the [A-League] and that’s a massive change in itself. The FFA won’t be involved.

“We’re going to be set now with a big partner, so many opportunities will arise from this transaction if it happens.”

Sage went on to add that this may merely be the beginning for the LFE, who have aspirations to own multiple clubs around the world like City Football Group.

As we know, City Football Group own A-League club Melbourne City, MLS club New York City FC and reigning Premier League champions Manchester City.

But Sage wouldn’t be satisfied just matching it with CFG. He’d want it to grow bigger and better with more clubs across the world.

“[LFE] want to own seven clubs around the world like the City [Football] Group, but instead of the City [Football] Group rebadging Melbourne Heart to Melbourne City and Yokohama City, New York City, they will let each club keep its own identity,” he said.

“There’s an offer in for a French club, an Italian club and an [English Premier League] club at the moment.”

The deal is subject to approval from the FFA.

Under regulation, the FFA can only approve a deal such as this after a review.

Reports are conflicting as to whether the FFA has been kept in the loop or not, leading the FFA to some indecision over the approval of this sale. However, it is highly unlikely that they will reject this sale.

What are your thoughts on the likely sale of one of Australia’s biggest clubs? Are you intrigued by what would happen to the A-League as a result?

Should this deal go ahead as expected, it would likely change the landscape of the soccer industry in Australia as we know it.

Get involved in the discussion on Twitter @Soccersceneau

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WA announce TV series for Sam Kerr’s children’s novels

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Image Credit: James Ross/AAP

A new TV series based on Sam Kerr’s children’s books ‘Kicking Goals’ is set to begin filming in early 2027 in Western Australia.

The show follows a young Kerr before she became captain of the Matildas and a star at Chelsea FC. Set in her home state of WA, the story sees her navigate her way through growing up and chasing her dreams, alongside her family and friends, and the adventures that entailed.

Speaking to Screenwest, Kerr said, ‘It’s pretty surreal knowing that Kicking Goals is being adapted into a TV series. These stories are all about believing in yourself and having a go, so it feels really special that a whole new generation will get to experience them on screen.’

Co-authored by Fiona Harris, the books have been a success since their initial release in 2021, a period which has coincided with Kerr and her Matildas teammates growing from beloved within Australia’s football community, into a team of genuine national appeal and recognition. They are available nation-wide, sold at major retailers such as Big W and Dymocks.

The television adaptation will beproduced by Orange Entertainment for Paramount+.

‘Kicking Goals’ is set to inject AUD 5million into the WA economy and provide over 130 local jobs.

Creative Industries Minister of WA, Simone McGurk, said via WA GOV, ‘The series will showcase all that Western Australia has to offer – including our world-class talent, crew, and diverse locations – while celebrating the story of one of our sporting greats.’

Casting is currently underway, with a search for a young Kerr and her mates ongoing.

The months after the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australian and New Zealand saw an 11% increase in women and girl’s participation in football compared to the previous year, showing the direct impact the biggest stage can have on grassroots football.

Kerr has managed to build on that success and begin a new chapter, inspiring kids both on and off the field.

Former Socceroos captain set to headline coaching conference

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Mark Mulligan. Credit A League

Mark Milligan – former Socceroos captain and Newcastle Jets Premiership-winning manager – is set to be the guest of honour at the 2026 Football NSW Coaching Conference, held at Valentine Sports Park from November 21st–22nd.

The annual conference represents Australia’s largest gathering of football coaches, and is set to include expert insight into coaching, practical sessions and development plans for attendees. Milligan will partake in a Q&A session with MC Stephanie Brantz on November 21, adding significant gravitas to the conference.

Chris Gallo, Football NSW Coach Education Manager spoke highly of Milligan via Football NSW.

‘Opportunities to hear from people who have experienced the game at the highest level are incredibly valuable for our coaches. Mark brings a unique perspective on leadership, performance and the demands of elite football, and we want our coaches to be able to take those insights back into their own environments,’ he said.

Milligan traversed the globe across a near-twenty year professional career that started in the old National Soccer League, concluded in the A-League, and took in time across Europe, the UK and Asia.

He represented the Socceroos with distinction across 80 appearances, selected by four seperate managers in World Cup squads, and was captain of the Olympic team in 2008. His nascent managerial career has already seen two trophies at Newcastle, where he is presently leading them in the Asian Champions League.

But it all began on the local pitches of Bankstown. Milligan is an authentic, home-grown product of Football NSW, and emblamatic of the rewards that can be reaped from investing in the beginning of a player’s journey.

With the conference already selling out, attendees can now expect to learn plemty from one of Australia’s most exciting, up-and-coming coaches.

The opportunity Football NSW are providing showcases their commitment in helping coaches develop, and their continued pledge of giving back to the game at its foundation.

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