Ferguson plans a long glorious reign

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7 February 2012-AAP

Staying put ... Ian Ferguson is tipped to remain at the helm of Perth Glory, and he wants a long contract (Getty)

Perth Glory coach Ian Ferguson is eager to turn his side into an A-League powerhouse, but says he needs a multi-year contract extension in order to make it happen.

Perth crushes Gold Coast

Ferguson's side took another step towards securing a top-four berth with a crushing 4-0 victory over struggling Gold Coast United at nib Stadium on Monday night.

The result extended Perth's unbeaten run to a club record eight games, but more importantly created a four-point gap between it and fifth-placed Heart.

Ferguson is out of contract at season's end but is almost certain to be offered a new deal barring a remarkable collapse in form.

However, the Scotsman wants more than just a one-year extension in order to ensure the progress made this season won't be lost.

"If I get a new contract, I want a two to three year deal where we can try and take this club forward, where this club is going to be a top-six regular and not a yo-yo club," Ferguson said.

"(Club owner) Tony (Sage) knows my plans and knows my feelings.

"I'm not going to put pressure on anybody. Tony's been great.

"Ten or 11 weeks ago I was under a lot of pressure where a lot of people were calling for my head and he could have easily put me out the door, but he didn't.

"He stuck by me and it's great things have turned around."

Gold Coast coach Miron Bleiberg labelled Perth a genuine championship contender, saying it had the depth and talent to challenge high-flyers Central Coast and Brisbane.

"You get the calibre of Andrezinho, Billy Mehmet and Adam Hughes on the bench ... any of these players could walk into my team with red carpet," Bleiberg said.

"Even if you have one or two injuries, you have the depth.

"I'm not sure if the Roar or the Mariners have the same depth.

"And again Perth have the advantage of not going to play in Asia (for the Asian Champions League).

"It's tiring.

"What will happen in the finals when they (Roar and Mariners) will come travelling from Asia, from Uzbekistan, from China, and your guys will wait for them here hungry.

"With a bit of luck in the draw, Perth can go all the way."

Perth Glory has plundered 11 goals in its past three matches, and will be eager to continue that hot form when it takes on an out-of-sorts Sydney FC at the SFS on Saturday night.

Gold Coast takes on fellow battler Adelaide United at Skilled Park on Sunday.