Melbourne property developer Ross Pelligra has recently been unveiled as the new owner of the A-League club, Perth Glory, and is determined to return the team to its powerhouse status. Glory, once back-to-back champions in the National Soccer League, had faced financial struggles since last July when the previous owner could no longer sustain the club. After a failed sale attempt in November, the Australian Professional Leagues (APL) announced Pelligra Group as the new owners of Perth Glory.
Ross Pelligra is no stranger to sports ownership, as he already owns the Italian Serie C side Catania and several other sports teams such as the Adelaide Lightning women's basketball team, the Adelaide Giants baseball team, and the Canberra Braves and Adelaide Adrenaline ice hockey teams. As part of the new ownership consortium, it is believed that former Socceroos star Mark Bresciano, who currently serves as a Football Australia board director, will be involved, along with another former Socceroo, Vince Grella.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the new venture, Pelligra stated, 'I'm relishing the prospect of re-establishing Glory as a benchmark club of Australian football.' He fondly recalled his childhood memories of watching Perth Glory on TV and being captivated by their exciting and attacking brand of football. Pelligra aims to bring back the club's glory days and make it the envy of every other A-League club.
With a strong football community in Perth, Pelligra is determined to unite fans and create a successful future for Perth Glory. The Pelligra Group is a private, family-owned business known for its stability and success. A-Leagues commissioner Nick Garcia expressed confidence in Pelligra's ability to lead the club and stated, 'Ross is a successful business and football operator, both locally and abroad, and this experience and his passion for the world game is a great asset for Perth Glory and the A-League.'
The acquisition of Perth Glory by the Pelligra Group brings hope and relief for the club. Previous financial troubles had forced Glory to make difficult decisions, such as loaning midfielder Salim Khelifi to Melbourne Victory and being unable to extend Oliver Bozanic's loan deal in Perth. However, with new ownership, the club now has the opportunity to turn things around.
Pelligra has expressed his eagerness to invest heavily in the club and promises to prioritize its success, both on and off the pitch. This commitment brings excitement to the fans and players alike. Pelligra will be present in the stands for Perth Glory's upcoming A-League Men's home clash against the Brisbane Roar.
Although Glory currently sits second to last on the A-League Men's table, their recent undefeated streak of four matches showcases their potential. Similarly, the women's team currently holds the sixth position in the ALW. With the backing of the Pelligra Group and their strong desire to bring back the Glory days, exciting times are ahead for Perth Glory and its passionate fanbase.
The new ownership brings stability and a renewed sense of hope for Perth Glory. Their future looks promising as they aim to reclaim their status as a benchmark club in Australian football. With financial support and a dedicated ownership team, Perth Glory can once again become a force to be reckoned with in the A-League.
