Perth Glory CEO Tony Pignata has heaped praise on owner Tony Sage after the side won its first piece of A-League silverware.
Mr Pignata told FNR he is pleased Tony Sage’s hard work and investment into the club has paid off.
Described as a “passionate” and “devoted” owner, Mr Sage did plenty behind the scenes in securing quality players and coaches in the off-season.
“I’m rapt for our owner Tony Sage, who has put his heart and soul and well-earned money into the club for many years,” Pignata said.
“It was rewarding for him to be part of the festivities last night.
“He’s very passionate about the game.
“It’s great to have such a devoted owner, we have pushed him a bit this season in terms of bringing in quality players in and he hasn’t said no.”
Like head coach Tony Popovic, Pignata was appointed as the club’s CEO midway through 2018 after winning the A-League double with Sydney FC in 2016/17.
After finishing outside the finals last season, the club experienced significant change both on and off the field.
“Tony [Popovic] and I were appointed on the same day, we set the blueprint of what we wanted to achieve together,” Pignata added.
“We set out how we wanted to achieve success.
“We recruited well and built everything from day one, it’s a bit surreal to be standing there last night and accepting that trophy.
“One of my favourite saying is sport is champagne and razor blades so it’s important to celebrate the success but in Australia all sports revolve around winning the GF.”
