Tom Lawrence Eyes Glory’s Return to the Finals
Former Manchester United midfielder Tom Lawrence has set his sights on helping Perth Glory end their seven-year finals drought after signing a new two-season contract with the A-League Men club. The 32-year-old player, who made an immediate impact in his first season with the team, is now looking to build on that success and guide the club back to the playoffs.
Lawrence was a standout performer during his initial campaign with Perth Glory, scoring five goals and providing two assists in just 13 appearances before suffering a season-ending foot injury. His most memorable moment came in round 10, when he netted a hat-trick in a stunning 3-1 away victory against Melbourne City. This performance not only highlighted his attacking prowess but also showcased his ability to deliver under pressure.
The signing of Lawrence comes at an important time for Perth Glory, as the club has re-signed several key players ahead of the upcoming season. Captain Adam Taggart, Jaiden Kucharski, Stefan Colakovski, Sebastian Despotovski, and Giovanni De Abreu have all committed to the team, while coach Adam Griffiths has also extended his contract for another two years. This stability gives the club a strong foundation as they aim to improve on last season’s performance.
Since finishing sixth in the 2019/20 season under then-coach Tony Popovic, Perth Glory have not made the finals. However, Lawrence believes the current squad has the necessary talent and structure to challenge for a playoff spot next season.
“I believe in the project of the club and how forward this club is going, and I want to be a part of that,” Lawrence said. “I hope I can bring success to this club. We’ve taken steps this season, but ultimately we want to be challenging for the top of the league, and if not top of the league, then top six at least.”
Lawrence’s contributions were particularly significant during the latter part of the 2022/23 season, when he was in peak form. Although Perth finished 10th with eight wins, seven draws, and 11 losses, the team showed signs of progress compared to their previous two wooden-spoon campaigns. This improvement has given the club confidence in its direction and the potential for further growth.
Perth Glory’s football director, Stan Lazaridis, praised Lawrence’s impact and his value to the team. “Tom has already shown that he is a match-winner and one of the very best players in the A-League,” Lazaridis said. “His experience and leadership will be crucial as we work towards our goals.”
Before joining Perth Glory, Lawrence had a successful career in English football, playing for more than 400 matches across clubs such as Leicester City, Rangers, Ipswich Town, Cardiff City, Blackburn Rovers, and Derby County. He scored 78 goals during his time in the UK, showcasing his goal-scoring ability and versatility on the field.
At the international level, Lawrence made his senior debut for Wales in 2015 and has since earned 23 caps, scoring three goals. His experience at both club and international levels makes him a valuable asset for Perth Glory as they look to rebuild and compete at the highest level.
With a strong squad, experienced coaching staff, and a clear vision for the future, Perth Glory are well-positioned to make a serious push for the finals in the coming seasons. Lawrence’s return is a key step in that journey, and fans are eager to see what the team can achieve under his guidance.
