‘It’s definitely the best squad I’ve been in’: Reddy confident of ending Hyundai A-League drought
When you consider Liam Reddy played in the very first Hyundai A-League match back in 2005, there is not much the trusty gloveman has not seen in the competition.
The experienced shot-stopper – who has played for seven Hyundai A-League clubs – has been an ever-present under Tony Popovic for Perth Glory this season.
And his experience and ultra-consistent form has been a huge factor for the WA club as they sit on the cusp of securing the Hyundai A-League Premiership.
When Glory do get their hands on the Premiers’ Plate it will not only be a historic moment for the club – who have never won any silverware in the Hyundai A-League – but also for Reddy.
In all his years playing in the competition, the Sydney-born keeper has never won a trophy with a club, falling one game short of making a Grand Final on four different occasions.
It’s why when you ask the 37-year-old about the quality of this Glory outfit, he has little doubt.
“It’s definitely the best squad I’ve been involved with in the A-League,” Reddy tells www.a-league.com.au.
“We’ve got some really good depth and you can see when players come out and others come in, they don’t miss a beat.
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“It’s a testament to the playing group and the coaching staff that players are always ready to come in.
“The mood is really good and we have a squad that’s hungry. Training is intense and everyone knows no-one’s position is safe as we have such a good squad.
“It’s a really good time to be around the football club and there’s a lot of positives here right now.”
Stats crazy for rejuvenated Reddy
Of course, it has not all been smooth sailing, with Reddy on the end of another Hyundai A-League milestone goal earlier this season.
Back in Round 23, Reddy was beaten by Ola Toivonen’s stunning free-kick, which was the 5000th goal scored in the competition.
It continued an incredible sequence for the well-travelled goalkeeper, who was also between the sticks for the Hyundai A-League’s first, 1000th and 4000th goals.
“It just shows how old I am,” laughed Reddy, who inked another two-year deal with Glory earlier this season.
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“I’m still enjoying what I do, I love going to training every day. I get out of bed and really look forward to going in and working hard.
“It’s made it a lot easier this year with Tony Popovic coming on board and the playing group are really tight-knit, we all get on. There’s that real camaraderie there.
“The day I don’t want to go into training is the day I give it up, and I don’t see that happening for the next couple of years anyway because I’m loving it at the moment.”
The best seat in the house
Under Popovic, Glory have redefined their style this season.
Spearheaded by the class of Diego Castro, the composure of Neil Kilkenny, the pace and power of Chris Ikonomidis and the goals of Andy Keogh – to name just a few – Perth have been a joy to watch in 2018/19.
For Reddy, who has conceded a league-low 22 goals and kept 10 clean sheets in 24 games, watching from the back as his side turn on the style has been an easy job.
“It’s a good spot to be when your team is playing the way we play,” Reddy said.
“It’s been good to watch and see the way we create and take chances. It’s been a really enjoyable season this year but we know there’s still a lot of hard work to be done.
“Hopefully we can get some silverware and then reflect on how successful the year has been.”
