The shake-up at Perth Glory has continued, with football manager Jacob Burns the latest high-profile figure to quit the A-League club.
Burns joined Glory in 2009 as skipper and led the club to their maiden A-League grand final three years later.
The former Socceroos midfielder claimed the Joe Marston Medal for his performance in that 2012 grand final and went on to play 116 A-League games for Glory before hanging up his boots in 2014.
He subsequently worked as the club’s academy coach and as a technical director before moving into the role of football manager.
Burns’ exit is just the latest in a string of departures.
Coach Tony Popovic left with a year to run on his contract to join Greek outfit Xanthi, while key players such as Ivan Franjic, Joel Chianese, Juande, and Gregory Wuthrich have also departed.
New signings Andrew Nabbout and Nathaniel Atkinson had their contracts terminated by mutual consent after failing to get approval to come to Western Australia.
Glory currently have just 12 players, and desperately need to add some new signings ahead of their Asian Champions League campaign restart in Qatar next month.
Perth played just one ACL clash before the competition was put on hold in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Glory’s players are still stood down while pay negotiations continue.
Burns reflected fondly on his 11-year association with Perth Glory.
“I have decided that the time has come to step away and allow others to control the football direction,” Burns said.
“I was honoured to be given the opportunity and am extremely proud of the legacy and foundations that I leave behind.
“During my time as Glory captain, I felt that our achievements put the club firmly back on the scene as a force within the new, modern A-League.
“It is with a heavy heart that I say goodbye for now and I will continue to support the club I love from the stands.”