Why Adam Taggart believes being named co-captain of Perth Glory will take his game to a new level in the A-League
- New coach Alen Stajcic named the striker co-captain of Perth Glory
- The former Socceroos star, 30, began his football journey in WA
- Adam Taggart is adamant Perth can be A-League title contenders
EXCLUSIVE
He is the proud local product who believes being named co-captain of Perth Glory can take his game to a new level.
Adam Taggart will captain the Men in Purple in the A-League this season alongside English-born defender Mark Beevers, and the 30-year-old clearly relished the responsibility in his side’s season-opener against Newcastle.
Taggart led by example and scored after just two minutes in his team’s 2-2 draw.
Ahead of Saturday’s Distance Derby against Wellington Phoenix at 3.30pm AEDT, the former Socceroos star is convinced Perth can be Premier League contenders.
“Not a lot of people talk about us, which is fine, we like to fly under the radar,” Taggart told Daily Mail Australia.
Adam Taggart is the hometown boy who believes being named co-captain of Perth Glory can take his game to a new level
Taggart relished the responsibility in his side’s season opener against Newcastle, scoring in the first two minutes
Taggart is also confident that the new-look Glory side will survive and pose a threat to the finals
“We have a new coach in Alen Stajcic and everyone knows what he has achieved in football – especially at the Matildas.”
“We are collectively convinced and have high expectations.”
The Glory playing group has been based in New Zealand since Monday as club officials wanted to avoid two long-haul flights before the distance derby kicks off.
“We flew straight to Auckland early and then headed to Wellington,” Taggart revealed earlier this week.
“You (media) and the fans earn a little from the travel involved, but as a professional footballer it’s part of the job.”
“Monday’s flight was about six hours… we could have flown to Sydney and then New Zealand, so it wasn’t actually that bad.”
“Same with the Phoenix boys, they played their first game of the season in Sydney before going home… so no excuses, we’re ready to go.”
Taggart also confirmed he has not closed the door on the Socceroos, but admitted other players could still get the nod at his expense.
“Whatever happens, I’ll get on with it,” he said.
“I’m focused on having a big season with Perth… it means a lot to me to be captain of this club, it really was a special moment for me against the Jets.”
“Perth is where my football journey began, both as a child and in the A-League.”