It’s not every day you get to write your name in the record books alongside that of Australian football royalty but Sydney United 58 FC’s Luka Glavas has done that and more.
It-s not every day you get to write your name in the record books alongside that of Australian football royalty but Sydney United 58 FC-s Luka Glavas has done that and more.
The 28-year-old forward broke Graham Arnold-s long-time goal scoring record for United after he took over Arnold-s old mark of 84 goals for the club in his side's final regular season game last weekend.
Glavas returned to the side in 2008 having played one season in the Hyundai A-League for Perth Glory while also having a short stint with Sydney FC.
A fan of Arnold himself, Glavas was honoured to have become an even greater part of the proud Sydney club-s history.
“The record obviously means a great deal to me,” said Glavas.
“I grew up supporting the club and came down and watched a heap of games, so to now have got the record is a special moment for me as I have always loved this club.
“Graham Arnold is a club legend that everyone around here loves so it was great for him to have the record but also nice to take it from him.”
Arnold himself had some kind words for the new record holder.
“It-s great for him to have got the record,” said the Central Coast Mariners coach.
“He has been very loyal to the club and been out there for a long time so it is great to see he has scored that many goals for a club that is still very special to me.”
With over 100 appearances for the club it wasn-t until Glavas reached a personal milestone that he made it one of his goals to chase the record down.
“When I hit 50 goals I asked the club a few questions about what the mark was and who had the record,” Glavas continued.
“I thought I would make it a target of mine and really thought it was an achievable goal.
In what has been a stellar season for both Glavas and his teammates, the striker also claimed the NSW NPL golden boot as his side won the Premiership.
“When I got injured and missed seven games I thought the record was out of reach this year.
“But when I came back I picked up where I left off and finished off the team-s great work to not only get the record but also the golden boot.
“It is a bonus for the team that I won it as they really put a lot of goals on a platter for me.”
With the premiership trophy in the United cabinet the side-s focus now turns to taking out the finals series with the first step on that path coming against Bonnyrigg White Eagles this weekend.
“It was great to win the premiership but in the club-s long history we have never won the league title and the grand final double.
“Hopefully we can come out this week and pummel Bonnyrigg.
“It will no doubt be a tough challenge as we have not beat them this year but we are in good form and confident we can go all the way.”
In claiming the league title Sydney United have also secured a spot in the inaugural NPL finals where they will tackle Canberra FC after their local finals series concludes.
“It is massive to be able to play against the other NPL winners in a tournament that will exciting for the players, fans and football itself.
“When we found out that the series was beginning it was extra motivation to get the top spot.
“With the FFA Cup also coming in next year it will be even better again for all involved.”
Glavas made 15 appearances for the Glory in the 2006-07 season before he was signed on by Sydney FC for the 2007 AFC Champions League.
His time at the Sky Blues was short-lived as he was released following his new side-s departure from the competition but he has not given up all hope of returning to Australia-s top tier of football.
“As a player I believe I just have to play the best I can and then those types of decisions can be made by others.
“I am happy with what I am achieving at Sydney United at the moment but would be very happy if another A-League opportunity came along.
“I feel I still have a few years to go playing and hopefully I can add a few goals to that record.”
Glavas and United take on Bonnyrigg this Sunday September 1 at Sydney United Sports Centre with kickoff from 10am.