A-League Men: Perth Glory sign goalkeeper Matt Sutton to long-term deal as injury cover contract ends

Perth Glory have locked in No.1 goalkeeper Matt Sutton for the long haul, converting his short-term contract to a permanent deal. The 25-year-old has signed a three-year deal with Glory after starting every game this campaign despite arriving on the eve of the season as an injury replacement following Mark Birighitti’s knee issue. With Sutton’s injury replacement contract about to expire, Perth have opted to extend the custodian’s contract well beyond the end of this season and next. The former Western United gloveman has provided assurance between the posts for Perth fans and bolstered the stability behind an improving back-four. With Birighitti back from injury but having not seen the field and fellow shot-stopper Cameron Cook still out with a knee problem of his own, the move entrenched Sutton as the club’s first-choice ‘keeper. After three clean sheets this season, Glory football director Stan Lazaridis said Sutton had well and truly earned his extension. “We were very pleased to be able to bring Matt in when we lost both Mark Birighitti and Cameron Cook to injury just before the season started,” Lazaridis said. “He has fitted in so well, providing a reassuring presence in goal and pulling off some outstanding saves. “A no-nonsense, very likeable character, Matt has worked in well with our other goalkeepers, and it’s clear that our members and fans have really taken to him. “We’re thrilled that he’s agreed to sign this long-term deal, which means that we now have an extremely strong and competitive goalkeeping unit at the club moving forward. “Matt has a very bright future ahead of him, and we look forward to seeing him fulfil his huge potential here at Perth Glory.”