Doug Ithier
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Doug Ithier | ||
| Personal information | ||
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Doug Ithier | |
| Date of birth | July 20, 1974 | |
| Place of birth | Perth, Australia | |
| Height | 1,86 m. | |
| Playing position | centre half | |
| Club information | ||
| Current club | retired | |
| Number | 10 | |
| Senior clubs1 | ||
| Years | Club | App (Gls)* |
| 1992-2003 1996-1998 1998 1998 1998-1999 1999 2003 2003-2005 |
Floreat Athena Perth Glory Sarawak FA Blackburn Rovers F.C. Walsall F.C. Marine Castle United Chengdu Wuniu Western Knights |
100+ (25) 15 (0) 22 (3) Trial 3 (1) 26 (1) 18 (0) 20 (2) |
|
1 Senior club appearances and goals |
||
Doug Ithier (born July 20, 1974) is an Australian football (soccer) player most notable for playing for Perth Glory, Walsall, and throughout Asia including Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei and China. Ithier represented Western Australia including playing against Red Star Belgrade.
Ithier was a cult figure amongst Perth Glory supporters for his flamboyant, aggressive play and changing hairstyles. In 1998 he had a 3 week trial with English Premier Division Champions Blackburn Rovers F.C. This side managed by Roy Hodgson included such players as Chris Sutton, Damien Duff, Colin Hendry and Martin Dahlin. But Ithier was refused the relevant work permit to sign in the UK. Without the European heritage to play in Europe Ithier returned and focussed on plying his trade in Asia.
Ithier started his Asian career with 1997 Malaysian Super League champions Sarawak FA under the guidance of Alan Vest. His debut game at a sold out Sarawak Stadium was in 1998 Malaysia Charity Shield against Selangor FA in which Sarawak FA won 3-1 with 9 players. Playing in the sweeper role Ithier flourished and quickly became a crowd favorite. Alan Vest once described Ithier as the "Best Header" of the ball in all Malaysia. Ithier's form in Malaysia earned him the trial with Blackburn Rovers F.C..
After returning from the UK, Ithier signed with S-League team Marine Castle United for the 1999 season. Ithier will be remembered in Singapore for his Blonde hair and colourful designed Adidas boots. He was selected as one of the best Foreign players and played in the S-League All Stars game. He was again a crowd favorite and constantly surrounded by fans after the game even when the team performed badly, giving autograph's. Ithier was involved in a life threatening incident whilst playing against Tanjong Pagar United Football Club. He rose to header a ball from a corner and collided with a player being knocked unconscious. The home side Tanjong Pagar FC did not have an ambulance present, and Ithier was saved by the Marine Castles physio. Tanjong Pagar United Football Club embroiled in controversy was fined by the S-League and the decision resulted in the safety procedures at all clubs to be re-written. Ithier played the following week against doctors advice and was named Man-of-The Match!
Dubbed the "Adopted Greek" during his 9 years on and off with Floreat Athena Ithier was renowned for spectacular long range goals (including one from the halfway line in the 2001 Night Series Final, [1]), specialty freekicks, and bone crunching tackles. He won Floreat Athena Fairest and Best player in 1996, and figured heavily in Athena's team of 1997's, regarded as one of Athena's best years, winning the Premier League, Cup and Night Series trophies under coach and former Greek legend Jim Pyrgolis.
[edit] External Reference
2001 Night Series Final article on WA Soccer website
Doug Ithier on Myspace
Profile at OzFootball
