Lazaridis cut by Perth Glory

[pjennings]

July 22, 2008

FORMER Australia international Stan Lazaridis will not have his contract renewed for next month's A-League season.

Mitchell said he informed the 35-year-old former West Ham United and Birmingham City defender that his services would no longer be required.

"It was great to have him wear the Perth Glory colours over the past two seasons," Mitchell said.

"However, injury and some unfortunate circumstances meant that Stan wasn't able to play as many matches as he and the club would have liked."

"Moving forward and putting together a squad for the season ahead, I've had to make some tough decisions and not offering Stan a new contract has been one of the toughest of all."

Lazaridis returned home to Perth to join the Glory for the 2006/2007 A-League season after a long playing career in the English Premier League.

Injury curtailed his impact in the first season and he played just 11 matches.

A doping ban, for taking an anti hair-loss medication, ruled him out for the majority of his second season at the club although he did return late in the season for two games.

Lazaridis played 57 internationals for Australia, making him the eighth most capped Socceroo of all time.


Sad ending to a very good career

 

[Arabmariner]

Sad to read that.Still,shows Mitchell is prepared to make tough decisions.

Time will tell whether or not it's a good one.

 

[soccersensei]

Mmmmm, I actually thought he was looking the goods for Perth at the end of last season...
But clearly his days were very numbered.

 

[BrisRecky]

...a doping ban for going bald...these f'n nitwit  administrators gotta stop painting with such a broad brush...ya think....GOOD ONYA STAN...BE WELL

 

[Deej]

Frustrating for Laza to find out so late, didn't give him much time to look for another club!  The only team who has a spot for a winger is Newcastle perhaps?

Definitely a shame thou, probably has something there still to be competitive at this level if he can keep fit.

 

[Arabmariner]

Frustrating for Laza to find out so late, didn't give him much time to look for another club!  The only team who has a spot for a winger is Newcastle perhaps?

Definitely a shame thou, probably has something there still to be competitive at this level if he can keep fit.

He could still play at this level no problem but not as a marquee so wages would probably become a problem.
Would he move to the other side of the country for a fairly low wage?....I doubt it.
At his stage of his career I reckon he'll stay in Perth and play local football.
I think I'm correct in thinking his family is from Perth.

 

[Jaza_SFC]

This was announced months ago.. Official press release and all.....

 

[Bear]

This was announced months ago.. Official press release and all.....

Yep, spot on

Had he been training with them still tho, with the hope he might be picked up?

 

[Jaza_SFC]

No - apparently Mitchell was pretty blunt with a few players when he cut them and Laza was one.

Laza was using the media immediately post-season to continue to push his agenda of not going to away games and the like, so Mitchell said if you're not commited to fighting for every single game then you're out the door.

Ruthless, but in fairness Laza's behaviour even when fit and available was bad. The not travelling to away games was disgraceful, and he never stood out much in the HAL. Good decision by Mitchell - Perth need more people willing to get stuck in.

 

[FFC Mariner]

And I'm sure they can use the $$ from his wages to better effect too.

 

[greenpoint]

Shame. Has anyone heard whether Laza is giving the game away altogether, or playing in a minor league?