Coach Ian Ferguson of Perth Glory maintains that the decision to drop former captain Jamie 
Coyne from the team is strictly due to form, not influenced by an awkward clause in his A-League contract.
Additionally, Ferguson disclosed that the club does not plan to re-sign Andy Todd for the next season, even if the experienced defender expresses a desire to return.
Coyne has not participated in any matches since his appearance in Perth’s away draw against Gold Coast on January 3rd.
If Coyne plays even one more match this season, a clause in his contract will activate, ensuring him another year with the club.
The Australian Professional Footballer Association has come to the support of the 30-year-old, asserting that he has been unjustly sidelined for selection for nearly a month without any fault of his own.
Nevertheless, Ferguson reiterated that Coyne’s performance is the sole concern, despite him having played 23 out of 24 matches prior to his exclusion.
“It has nothing to do with what Jamie is suggesting; it’s merely a matter of form. As I mentioned, I’m taking the team in a different direction and want to explore other options for those positions,” Ferguson stated on Thursday.
“I decided to leave Jamie out because I wanted to pursue a different path.
“If you analyze Jamie’s last four or five games… certain goals were conceded and specific events unfolded on his part, leading to his exclusion.
“My focus is now on younger players.”
Earlier this week, Todd returned to England, and while the Glory initially indicated that the 35-year-old would be welcome back next season, Ferguson has since dismissed that possibility.
“Look, Andy has moved on, and so have we. I communicated with Andy that I’m intending to move in a different direction,” Ferguson noted.
“I aimed to bring in younger players, those with perhaps a bit more energy than Andy.
“Andy has performed exceptionally well over the past year or so, even winning player of the year before I arrived…
“This year he has struggled with a few injuries, and at 35, I felt it might be beneficial to part ways and bring someone else in, which is our current strategy.”
When approached regarding the club’s ongoing efforts to attract Gold Coast striker Shane Smeltz and Adelaide captain Travis Dodd for the upcoming season, Ferguson maintained silence.
However, the Glory appears increasingly optimistic about retaining marquee striker Robbie Fowler for an additional year at a reduced salary.
Perth currently occupies the second-to-last position on the table and is set to face off against fellow strugglers Sydney FC at nib Stadium this Saturday night.
Buford Balony states: Both Coyne’s are overrated, particularly Chris. He was never skilled enough to make the World Cup squad, so I don’t understand his decision to go to China; seriously, why?
