A little over 18 months ago Tom Glover was City’s number two goalkeeper – but circumstances can change very quickly in football. Today, he is not only the Club’s number one, but an Australian Olympian and owner of A-League Mens Premiership and Championship medallions.
Glover joined City little over two years ago, but the former Tottenham youth shot stopper didn’t simply walk into the starting XI.
He wouldn’t make his first appearance for the Club until Round 10 of the 2019/20 season. A run of three consecutive matches then ended due to an Olyroos call-up, but he was quickly back between the sticks not long after his return.
His first season at the Club culminated in Glover’s first Grand Final appearance, in which he can count himself unlucky not to receive the Joe Marston medal for his outstanding display in goal, despite City ultimately going down 1-0.
Things were only just getting started, with the 2020/21 season seeing City and Glover go a step further and win the Championship a month after taking out the Premiers Plate.
“I put the success down to patience and hard work,” Glover said.
“I had to work hard and bide my time, but you can’t kick stones when you’re in that position.”
Although City may have dominated play in the second half after initially conceding the first goal, Glover said he was nervous up until the final minutes.
“Once the third goal went in I knew we were going to win,” he said.
“Even though we were dominating, all it takes is one counterattack, one silly decision, or one silly mistake that can cost you.
Once Scotty (Galloway) scored, it was the icing on the cake and the celebrations were great – I think I was running around like a wild turkey.
“Once that went in – I wouldn’t say I relaxed – but you know you’ve pretty much got both hands on the trophy.”
His post between the sticks sees Glover spend a lot of time in earshot of the City faithful who’s constant support is never missed, and he said being able to win trophies in front of the fans made it ‘ten times better.’
“The support from the fans was unbelievable last season, particularly on those two nights,” he said.
“They’re a big part of the Club – they help get us over the line and without them on those two nights, it’s just not the same and who knows what would’ve happened.”
Glover rates the Premiers Plate triumph over the Mariners and the Grand Final win over Sydney as ‘two of the best nights of his life,’ and the latter would get even better after the on-pitch celebrations.
“I got into the changerooms after we lifted the trophy and I had a message from Arnie (Graham Arnold),” he said.
“He said he’d give me a call tomorrow with some more good news, so I kind of put two and two together there and realised I was likely on the plane to Tokyo.”
Glover went on to play every minute of the Olyroos Olympic campaign, facing the likes of Argentina, Japan, and Egypt. Although this was a massive achievement, the shot-stopper said it didn’t fully sink in until he was back in Australia.
“I remember being in quarantine watching the Olympics and I had to pinch myself thinking that I was actually there,” he said.
“When you’re there, you get caught up in the moment but looking back now, it was just such a big honour – not many people can say they are Olympians.”
Glover and his City teammates now face the challenge of backing up a Premiership and Championship double.
With pre-season well and truly in full swing, Round 1 against Brisbane Roar on Friday November 19 is drawing closer and closer for Patrick Kisnorbo’s squad.
Mandatory hotel quarantine after returning from the Tokyo Olympics meant that Glover missed City’s only pre-season friendly to date, but now with plenty of time on the training pitch under his belt, he is eager for the season to begin.
“We’re all pumped to get going again,” Glover said.
“It’s all about building on from last year. Now that we’ve got a taste, we want more.”
Ensure you don’t miss a moment of the new Isuzu UTE A-League season by becoming a City Member today! Head to shop.melbournecityfc.com.au to join Tom Glover in the City family for season 2021/22.
