By Jacob Shteyman
Perth Glory have bolstered their attacking stocks with the addition of Socceroos journeyman Adam Taggart in a bid to turn around their faltering A-League Men season.
Taggart, who began his career at Perth in 2011, returns to Australia for a third stint with the club after three successful years overseas on a 3½-year deal.
Socceroo Adam Taggart has signed with Perth Glory, returning to the city he began his career in.Credit:Paul Kane/Getty Images
“This club means so much to me,” he said.
“It’s my hometown club, the club that I grew up supporting, a club that I know inside out and which is full of people that I love and that I’ve played with and against.
“To be able to do it all in front of my family and friends, especially after being away for so long, means a lot to me and it’s just something I felt needed to happen.”
The 29-year-old striker adds much-needed firepower to the Glory after Uruguayan goal machine Bruno Fornaroli dramatically exited the club in October.
A skilful and physical No.9, Taggart made his Socceroos debut in 2012 and featured against Spain and the Netherlands at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
After an injury-plagued two years in the UK with Fulham and Scottish Premier League side Dundee United, he returned to the A-League with Perth in 2016.
A successful 2018-19 season with Brisbane Roar, in which he scored 11 goals in 18 games, earned him a transfer to South Korean side Suwon Bluewings, where he won the K-League golden boot in his debut campaign.
A move to Cerezo Osaka in Japan’s J.League was less fruitful; the rangy striker racked up just six goals in 32 appearances at the club.
Despite coming off a 2-1 win over fellow battlers Western United, Perth currently sit second bottom of the 12-team ALM table, only managing six goals in their first six games.
Head coach Ruben Zadkovich lauded the potential of his new signing to turn around the Glory’s season.
“He possesses the qualities that a top striker needs, both physically and mentally,” he said.
“He is selfish when he needs to be in front of goal and yet always plays for the team.
“I believe he is the right character to spearhead this rebuild at Glory and help drive the club back to the top.”
Taggart will be available for selection once the transfer window opens in January.
AAP
