Perth Voice Interactive

“FOOTBALL is not a matter of life and death…it’s much more important than that,” legendary Liverpool manager Bill Shankly once said.

Ziggy Kramer knows a thing or two about the beautiful game, having been involved with Inglewood United for more than 60 years.

He’s played for, managed and latterly been the president of the club, only retiring from his role last year at 76.

“You have to be passionate about the game and really care about it…”

In recognition of his contribution to the game in WA, Kramer has been appointed a life member of Football West.

When a scrawny Kramer first played in goals for Inglewood—then known as Kiev Soccer Club—in 1953, the game was more physical and the water-logged ball felt like a cannonball.

“I remember going up for a corner and the opposition striker went right through me, shoulder charging me into the net,” he laughs.

“Back then it was legal and the goal stood. I was only 67 kilos and the game was a lot rougher back then—it was a baptism of fire.”

After being the club’s goalie for 13 years, Kramer was offered the job of manager in 1967 by the club’s president—his dad.

“You know why he offered me the job?” Kramer asks. “Because he didn’t have to pay me.”

He brought success to the club, guiding it to the first division title and as a runner-up in the premier division.

He went on to become club president and reckons his biggest achievement was building a $1 million, 1000-seat stand at the ground in 2001: “I had to scrounge around and get grants from the state, local and federal governments, plus use the club’s money as well,” he says.

“It’s a beautiful stand and I like to think it is a big part of my legacy.”

Given that most football clubs go through backroom staff like loo paper—and Kramer is candid and outspoken—his longevity in the game is remarkable.

“You have to be passionate about the game and really care about it—you can’t just be there to make money in the short-term and then run off,” says the soon-to-be great grandfather.

“Perth Glory need to adopt the philosophy that my dad had—get in a broom and sweep out all the crap.

“They’re making a mockery out of the game and Tony Sage [Perth Glory owner] needs to surround himself with people who can offer him better advice.

“Football is very fickle, but if you have the game in your heart, you can be around for a long time.”

by STEPHEN POLLOCK