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AAP
Sport
Justin Chadwick

Mustafa Amini named Perth Glory captain

Former Sydney FC player Mustafa Amini (r) has been named skipper of the Perth Glory in A-League Men. (David Crosling/AAP PHOTOS) (AAP)

Former Socceroos midfielder Mustafa Amini has set his sights on bringing back the "good days" to Perth Glory after being named the club's skipper.

Amini signed with Glory on a three-year deal in June and was unveiled as captain at the club's season launch on Thursday.

Last season's skipper - Brandon O'Neill - left one year into his three-year deal to return to NSW.

He has since joined the Newcastle Jets, where he has been named co-captain.

Glory finished with the wooden spoon last season and Amini has a big job ahead of him to help the new-look squad turn the club's fortunes around.

The 29-year-old former Sydney FC player is up for the challenge and he's imploring his teammates to join him in the fight.

"It's an exciting year with plenty of hard work ahead of us," Amini said.

"This is a challenge not only for me, but the whole football club as we look to bring the good days back to Glory.

"It's a rebuilding phase, we know that, but we aren't shying away from the challenges ahead and although it's going to be tough we will fight and give our all, that's for sure.

"I believe that our players and staff have what it takes to be competitive this season."

Glory were a force in the now-defunct NSW, but they have been hit and miss since the A-League was launched in 2005.

Englishman Mark Beevers has been named as Amini's vice-captain.

"Musti is a unique personality and someone I've admired for a long time," Glory coach Ruben Zadkovich said.

"His infectious personality and strong mentality enable him to lead naturally and easily on the pitch.

"He has a deeply-embedded ruthless mindset to winning, but carries himself with a happy-go-lucky spirit off the pitch which makes him a real favourite among players and staff and with the members and fans."

Glory kick off their season away to Western Sydney on Sunday.

A big delay in the $35 million upgrade to HBF Park for the Women's World Cup means Glory will spend the first five games on the road.

When Glory return home, they will have to host matches at NPL venue Macedonia Park until HBF Park is ready for the tail-end of the ALM season.

Natasha Rigby will lead Glory's women's side for a fourth straight season.

Glory only narrowly missed out on a finals berth last season and Rigby is confident they can get there this time around.

"I have full faith that with the squad we have we can compete with the best this season," she said.

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