A bit of old news, but might help to clam you down.
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Sponsorship deal boosts Glory - AAP
> Glory fans will welcome the latest sponsorship boost Photo Getty
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The business connections of new Perth Glory owner Tony Sage already look to be paying dividends, with the club announcing a new CEO and a sponsorship deal with a Chinese steel company claimed to be one of the most lucrative in Australian football.
Former West Coast Eagles sponsorship manager Scott Gooch was on Tuesday unveiled as the Glory's new chief executive - while Delong Holdings becomes the club's joint major sponsor, with a one-year deal worth $750,000.
The Chinese company - who recently bought a $250 million stake in a mining project being undertaken by Sage's Cape Lambert Iron Ore company - will have their name on the back of Glory's shirts next season.
And it could also lead to games with Chinese Premier League side Zhejiang Lucheng, which is owned by Chinese tycaon and chairman of Delong, Liguo Ding.
"Delong Holdings want to introduce their brand in Australia and believe Perth Glory is an ideal vehicle to drive that program", Sage said.
"We have spoken about having matches each year in Perth and Beijing between Perth Glory and his team.
"He believes that would attract around 50,000 people in the Chinese capital to come along and see Glory play, which would be a magnificent experience for our players and great preparation during the pre-season."
Gooch, a former Fremantle Docker, comes to Perth Glory after six years with the AFL premiers, replacing former Glory CEO Michelle Phillips.
"Football in Australia continues to blossom and Perth Glory has the opportunity to further entrench itself in the WA sporting landscape," Gooch said.
"I believe the club can achieve, in a short amount of time, improved results both on and off the field."
On a positive day for Glory, the club also announced it had agreed a two-year deal with teenage striker Nikita Rukavytsya.
Rukavytsya trained with Perth Glory for several months last season, featuring in the club's last three matches. Manager Ron Smith described the Ukrainian-born youngster as a "quality finisher".
"He doesn't drop his head if he misses a scoring opportunity, he just puts in the hard work to create another chance," Smith said.
Perth now have 18 contracted players for the 2007/08 season, twelve of whom are West Australian.
"It's terrific to have local lads coming through that fans can identify with and may have seen as younger players," Smith said.
Last modified: 27 March 2007 19:06:01
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