Josh Risdon to join Perth Glory after Western United exit

Risdon, 31, came through the Perth Glory youth set up. He has already made over 140 appearances for the Glory. 

Former Socceroos defender Josh Risdon said his goodbyes to his current club Western United this week. The 31-year-old announced that he will be leaving the club this offseason. Most reports are strongly linking Risdon to his boyhood club Perth Glory. Risdon made 90 A-League appearances for Western United, scoring 5 goals.  

Club legend Risdon says farewell to Western United 

Western United and Josh Risdon jointly announced on Wednesday that the defender will leave the club this offseason.  
 
“Josh Risdon will depart Western United at the closure of the 2023/24 Isuzu UTE A-League Men season, leaving a legacy as one of the Club’s greatest ever legends,” the Western United statement read.  
 
“Risdon was the first-ever Australian player signed by Western United back in February 2019 and has gone on to become an icon in Melbourne’s west. "
 
“The right-back totalled 90 appearances in Green and Black, the fifth most in the Club’s history, and was behind many of the Club’s greatest moments. 
 
“From assisting Western United’s first ever goal against Wellington Phoenix to captaining the side on Grand Final night in 2022 and winning the Club’s Player of the Season medal in 2022/23, Risdon has spearheaded the Club’s development in its first five years.” 
 
Risdon said of his time at Western United “I remember our first home game out at Georgies to our first home game here in Tarneit, and everything in between. Our first win over in Wellington, the Grand Final, being able to captain this club. All those things will mean a lot. 
 
“To be able to say I had a part in helping build what’s going on here makes me very proud, and is one I’ll be able to tell the grandkids.” 
 
He ended his comments by thanking the fans and his teammates during his tenure.  
 
“I want to say thank you to all my teammates who I’ve been with throughout these five years, everyone at the club from high up to the admin staff, and particularly to our football department.  
 
“And lastly, to all the fans. You’ve been great for these five years, we’ve travelled to different places and you’ve always been there supporting us. I really appreciate the support you’ve given me and to the players,” Risdon said. 

Return to Perth expected 

Risdon, 31, is definitely on the back end of his career, but it’s clear he still has a lot to give. Unlike some of his Aussie compatriots who’ve gone to Japan, Saudi Arabia, or Qatar to end their careers, Risdon looks set to rejoin his boyhood club, Perth Glory.  
 
The Glory finished bottom of the A-League table last season. Risdon could be wanting to head home and help his club return to the top. He came through the club's academy and has already played 142 league appearances for the club. 

Even with Risdon joining, the Glory are still going to be one of the betting sites’ favourites to finish near the bottom of the A-League next season. For their fan’s sakes, let’s hope Risdon is just the start of the moves Glory will make this offseason.