Doug Ithier

Doug Ithier (born 20 July 1974) is an Australian footballer who played for Perth Glory, Walsall, and throughout Asia including Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei and China.

Career

Ithier represented the senior Western Australia team from 1996 to 2003 including playing against Red Star Belgrade 28/1/2001.

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 1994/95 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 at the English Premier Division level. Ithier was sent to play for the English Second Division side Walsall F.C. whilst processing his work permit, but 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 with notable players Alistair Edwards and Billy Bone and 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), 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. Ithier is one of only 5 players elevated to "Legend" status as listed on the club's website.

Personal life

Ithier now has retired from playing and is the Licensee and Director of Vital Property Group and co-owner of South Perth Cycles in Perth, Western Australia. He is married to Debbi Ithier and has one son Jaiden. He is an avid cyclist racing A-Grade in the West Coast Masters (WCMCC) and a golfer playing off a handicap of 3.