Football West CEO Jamie Harnwell pays tribute to his former Glory coach Alan Vest

Football West joins the WA football community today in paying tribute to former Perth Glory coach Alan Vest, who has died aged 86.

Vest was assistant to Mich D’Avray when Glory won back-to-back NSL titles in 2003 and 2004. The following year, in the inaugural A-League season, he stepped in as interim head coach following the departure of Steve McMahon.

Football West CEO Jamie Harnwell was a player while Vest was coaching at Glory.

“The passing of Alan Vest is a sad day for football in Western Australia, and Football West sends its condolences to Alan’s family and many friends,” Mr Harnwell said.

“Alan’s contribution to the game here was extensive and he was an outstanding coach who was widely respected, at Perth Glory and elsewhere.

“I have many happy memories of being at Glory playing under Alan and he was a big influence on me as a young player.

“Alan was also a gentleman, easily approachable and always willing to chat about the game.”

An English-born New Zealand international, Vest came to Perth in 1974 to become WA Director of Coaching and State Coach. He led the State side to victory twice in the Marah Halim Cup in Indonesia and was also in charge when WA sensationally beat Scottish giants Rangers 2-1 at Perry Lake Stadium in June 1975.

Vest later had title-winning stints with Perth Italia (now Perth Azzurri) and Floreat Athena, as well as spells in Malaysia and Singapore.