Favourite son to lead the Ladies | (Credit: Football West) Favourite son to lead the Ladies | (Credit: Football West)

Perth Glory legend and Football West Development Officer Jamie Harnwell has today been announced as Perth Glory Women’s coach for the upcoming 2011/12 Westfield W-League season.

Harnwell recently completed his AFC B Licence coaching course and takes the mantle after coaching the Senior Girls National Training Centre squad to the junior finals.

“I am very proud to be named coach of Perth Glory for the upcoming Westfield W-League season,” said Harnwell.

“It is a fantastic opportunity and one that I had no hesitation in accepting.

“It is the continuation of a long relationship between myself and the name of Perth Glory.

“Women’s football in WA is growing rapidly and a strong Perth Glory will provide a great boost to the game here.

“I am hoping to lead the Glory to their first finals place in the W-League and boost the great reputation that players such as Collette McCallum have built up for WA.”

Football West Chief Executive Peter Hugg said: “Football West had little hesitation in appointing Jamie to this position. He is synonymous with the club and I am really pleased that we have been able to help him make the transition from playing to a coaching role.

“Everywhere he goes throughout the State with his Football West Development hat on, Jamie is a hit, and I am sure his first foray into competitive coaching will be no different.”

Two massive losses for the team will be Westfield Matildas duo Kate Gill and Sam Kerr, who will not be a part of this season’s squad as they both recover from knee reconstructions.

Harnwell is in the final stages of assembling his squad and more announcements will be made in due course, with season four of the W-League season scheduled to kick off at the end of October.