Melbourne City have confirmed skipper Scott Jamieson has returned to Melbourne to be with his partner for the birth of their first child.
Jamieson made the dash back to Melbourne immediately after Saturday’s impressive 2-0 win over Sydney FC.
"We've been through so much over the past couple of weeks as a team and everyone from players and staff have made sacrifices," Jamieson said on City’s website.
"It's a big decision to leave the squad, but family comes first and I'm looking forward to being there to welcome our first child into the world.
"When the time is right, I'll assess the health of my partner and baby and hopefully be able to return with the squad."
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Popa: Glory have moved on quick from Reds defeat
It was one of their worst defeats of the Hyundai A-League 2019/20 campaign but Tony Popovic says Perth Glory’s loss to Adelaide United has already been forgotten.
Glory had designs on a top four finish heading into the clash with the Reds but are now fighting to hold onto their spot in the top six after back-to-back defeats.
"After the [Adelaide] game it was a subdued changing room as you can imagine, we can't shy away from that fact," Popovic said.
"But we got up the next day, had a discussion about the game and we've clearly moved on. We don't have time to dwell.
"I mentioned after the game that it was a good thing that we had a short, five-day turnaround and we've seen around the hotel that the demeanour of the players has been very good.
"They've been very positive and keen to get out and train and prepare for this next match."
Glory face a crucial clash against finals-chasing Western Sydney Wanderers on Tuesday night. Kick-off is 7.30pm AEST.
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‘Destiny is in our hands’: Rudan
Western United FC boss Mark Rudan insists there’s no panic amongst his squad despite their finals hopes taking a hit after Sunday’s loss to Newcastle Jets.
United could have taken a huge step towards a top six berth had they beaten the Jets but went down 1-0 to Roy O’Donovan’s first-half goal.
The defeat has seen the Hyundai A-League’s newest club drop to eighth on the ladder and four points outside the six, but with three games in hand over seventh-placed Newcastle and two games in hand over sixth-placed Adelaide.
However, the message is loud and clear heading into Friday’s vital clash with Western Sydney Wanderers.
“Keep the message positive. Destiny is still in our hands,” Rudan said.
“It’s important that we continue to do the right thing and keep the boys positive.
“The next game is the most important for us which is the Wanderers.”
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