Adelaide United FC

This article is about the men's football team. For the women's football club, see Adelaide United FC W-League.
Adelaide United
Full name Adelaide United Football Club
Nickname(s) United, Adelaide, Reds
Short name AUFC
Founded 12 September 2003 (2003-09-12)
Ground Coopers Stadium
Ground Capacity 16,500
Chairman Greg Griffin
Manager Guillermo Amor
League A-League
2014–15 A-League, 3rd
Website Club home page
Active teams of Adelaide United
Football (Men's) Youth team (Men's) W-League team (Women's)

Adelaide United Football Club is a professional soccer club based in Adelaide, South Australia, Australia. The club participates in the A-League under license from Football Federation Australia.[1] The club was founded in 2003 to fill the place vacated by Adelaide City in the former National Soccer League (NSL), and is now the sole team from the state of South Australia in the A-League. Adelaide United's home ground is Hindmarsh Stadium. Adelaide United were premiers in the inaugural 2005–06 A-League season, finishing 7 points clear of the rest of the competition, before finishing third in the finals. The Reds made the Grand Finals of the 2006–07 and 2008–09 seasons, but lost on both occasions to Melbourne Victory.

Adelaide United holds the record for the largest win in an A-League game and the most goals scored in one game. Adelaide defeated North Queensland Fury 8–1 at Hindmarsh Stadium on 21 January 2011 in front of 10,829 fans. It was also the first time – and, to date, remains the only time – a team had two players score hat-tricks in a single match: one to Marcos Flores and the other to Sergio van Dijk. In 2014, Adelaide United were the winners of the first FFA Cup, beating Perth Glory 1–0 in the final.

History

National Soccer League

In August 2003, Adelaide City withdrew from the National Soccer League (NSL), leaving Adelaide with no NSL presence for the first time since the beginning of the league in 1977. In response, Adelaide United was created on 12 September 2003, with builder and property developer Gordon Pickard funding the new club and former Soccer Australia and FIFA executive Basil Scarsella as Chairman.[2] On 13 September, former Brisbane Strikers and Newcastle Breakers manager John Kosmina was officially announced as the manager, and within the frame of a few weeks time a team was cobbled together mostly with the remnants of the Adelaide City squad to compete in the clubs inaugural season.[3] On 17 October 2003, Adelaide United won its first NSL match, against Brisbane Strikers 1–0 in front of a crowd in excess of 16,000 people. After an impressive home-and-away season, including a seven-match unbeaten streak during November and December 2003, Adelaide United reached the NSL preliminary final, losing to Perth Glory. After only competing for one season, the NSL came to an abrupt end at the completion of the 2003–04 season as governing body Football Federation Australia (FFA) shut down the league in preparation for the launch of the fully professional A-League almost 12 months later, on 26 August 2005.

A-League

Adelaide United were announced as one of eight teams to compete in the first season of the A-League, and are, along with the Perth Glory and Newcastle Jets, one of only three teams to survive from the National Soccer League's last season. United began preparation earlier than most of the other clubs and had announced two thirds of the 20 man squad before February 2005.

The club focused on bringing several Adelaide born players back to South Australia, such as Angelo Costanzo, Travis Dodd and Lucas Pantelis, who had previously played for Adelaide City SC in the NSL. Shengqing Qu was signed from Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua as the clubs "marquee" signing (a ruling allowing each club one player to be paid outside the salary cap) in March 2005.

Aurelio Vidmar announced his retirement before the A-League had even started. He was replaced before the fifth round by striker Fernando from Brazil, a former 'player of the year' in the old NSL. By moving to Adelaide, he was reunited with former coach John Kosmina who introduced him to Australian audiences at the Brisbane Strikers.

Adelaide United established links with American club Miami FC, setting up a 'sister club' relationship, with whom they played a number of friendlies and leading to signing Diego from them. The team also signed Brazilian legend Romário for a 5-game guest stint in November/December 2006.

2005–06 season

Continuing their good form from the final season of the NSL, Adelaide United finished as Premiers in the inaugural season of the Hyundai A-League. Qu Shengqing, Fernando Rech and Carl Veart shared the goal scoring with 7 a piece.

The Reds were bundled out of the finals race in straight sets losing to Sydney FC in the two leg semi final and then Central Coast Mariners 1–0 in the preliminary final at Hindmarsh.

2006–07 season

Adelaide United advanced to the 2006–07 Grand Final after winning 4–3 on penalties (1–1 AET) against the Newcastle Jets. Adelaide United played Melbourne Victory at the Telstra Dome in the Grand Final on 18 February 2007 losing 6–0 whilst playing most of the game with only 10 men after captain Ross Aloisi was sent off for his second bookable offense. Following a controversial post grand final interview, Ross Aloisi was sacked as captain of Adelaide United, and left the club to move to Wellington Phoenix. He was replaced as captain by Angelo Costanzo on 22 February 2007. At the same as this announcement was made, it was also announced that coach John Kosmina would be sacked. It was widely speculated that Kosmina had been told to resign by the board of Adelaide United the Thursday after the grand final.[4][5] Assistant Coach Aurelio Vidmar was appointed interim coach. On 22 October 2007, former Adelaide United coach John Kosmina took up the role as the new head coach of Sydney FC.

The 2006–07 season also saw Brazilian international Romário join the club for a four-game guest player stint.

Adelaide United were selected, along with Sydney FC, as the first Australian representatives to play in the 2007 AFC Champions League. They received their Asian berth as A-League premiers. Adelaide was drawn into Group G with Chinese champion Shandong Luneng Taishan, Korean champions Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma and Vietnamese league and Super Cup champions Gach Dong Tam Long An.

Adelaide lost to Shandong 1–0, defeated Long An 2–0, drew with Seongnam 2–2, then lost to the Korean team 1–0. The Reds broke Shandong's winning streak in a 2–2 draw, before finishing its campaign with a 3–0 win over Long An, thanks to a hat trick from Travis Dodd. This match marked the last Adelaide United appearances of Fernando Rech and Carl Veart as the 1–0 loss to Seongyam knocked Adelaide out of Quarter Finals contention. Adelaide finished 3rd in its group, ahead of Long An and behind Shandong; with group winner Seongnam making the semi-finals. Dodd scored on 4 occasions, Rech 3 times, and Olyroos players Bruce Djite and Nathan Burns one a piece.

2007–08 season

For the 2007–08 season Adelaide recruited ex-Socceroo Paul Agostino "marquee", Ivorian Jonas Salley and ex-Olyroo Kristian Sarkies.[6] They also signed Issy Erdogan of Preston Lions. One of the success stories of the season was the signing of former Flamengo FC player Cássio on a free transfer from Brazilian club. Cássio, who joined from Santa Cruz FC, won the Club Champion award in his first season. Shaun Ontong and Matthew Mullen from the AIS, were also signed to replenish their defensive stocks after the departure of Kristian Rees, Adam van Dommele and Aaron Goulding.

The 2007–08 season was a season to forget for Adelaide as they battled a huge amount of player injury throughout the season. This effectively ended their finals hopes and it was the first time Adelaide had failed to make the top two in A-League history.

Adelaide United participated in the 2008 AFC Champions League after finishing runner-up in the 2006–07 regular season and finals series to Melbourne Victory. Adelaide was drawn into Group E, along with V-League and Super Cup winners Bình Dương F.C., CSL champions Changchun Yatai, and K-League winners Pohang Steelers.

In their opening match of the 2008 campaign, Adelaide United defeated Pohang 2–0 in Korea. United drew against Changchun 0–0 in their second game, defeated Bình Dương 2–1 in Vietnam and followed this up with a 4–1 victory in the return leg. In their final group tie at home, Adelaide defeated Pohang 1–0, setting up a deciding away tie against Changchun to determine the Group E winner. In Changchun, Adelaide withstood considerable pressure to achieve an historic 0–0 draw, thus becoming the first Australian team to ever progress to the knockout stage of the Asian Champions League.

Adelaide drew J-League and Emperor's Cup champions Kashima Antlers in a two legged Quarter final starting in Japan, where they managed a 1–1 draw. Adelaide captain Travis Dodd scored first in the opening half, but right before halftime the score leveled when Robert Cornthwaite scored an own goal. In the return leg at the Hindmarsh Stadium a week later, Adelaide became the first Australian team to progress to the semifinals of the competition with a 1–0 win. Cornthwaite redeemed himself from his own goal in the first leg by scoring the only goal of the game midway through the second half.

Adelaide drew 2007 Uzbek League Runners-up FC Bunyodkor in the semi-final, after the Uzbeks knocked out Saipa F.C. in their quarter-final. In the first leg of the semi-final, Adelaide won 3–0 with Diego, Barbiero, and Cristiano (via a penalty) scoring. The match was witnessed by 16,998 fans at Hindmarsh Stadium.[7]

In the second leg of the semi finals Adelaide United lost 1–0 to FC Bunyodkor but went through to the final 3–1 on aggregate.[8] Thus they became the first Australian team to make it to the final of Asia's premier club competition.[9] In the two legged final, they took on Japanese team Gamba Osaka who deposed 2007 champions Urawa Red Diamonds in the other semifinal.[10]

This result ensured that Adelaide would participate in the 2008 FIFA Club World Cup either as the AFC representatives or as the highest placed non-Japanese team – as the rules do not allow more than one Japanese team to participate.[11]

Adelaide lost heavily over two legs to Gamba Osaka. The score was 3–0 to Gamba Osaka away and 2–0 to Osaka at home in Adelaide, the Japanese club winning 5–0 on aggregate.[12]

2008–09 season

For the 2008–09 season, Adelaide United made some significant signings to strengthen the squad, most notably striker Cristiano from Willem II for two years on a free transfer. Another key signing to fill the vacancy left by the retirement of Richie Alagich was Alemão formerly of CA Juventus. Saša Ognenovski joined the club from Queensland Roar to help shore up the defence, midfielder Paul Reid joined from Brighton & Hove Albion F.C., while promising youngsters Scott Jamieson, Daniel Mullen, Mark Birighitti and Robert Younis also signed. Bobby Petta, Shaun Ontong, Milan Susak, Dez Giraldi and Robert Bajic were all released, Bruce Djite was sold for an A-League record of A$850,000 to Genclerbirligi, whilst Nathan Burns also transferred to pursue his European dreams, joining Greek first division outfit AEK Athens[13] for A$500,000.[14] Kristian Sarkies, Lucas Pantelis and Fabian Barbiero all had their contracts renewed.

This season, Adelaide United passed the one millionth spectator milestone of total crowds since the inception of the A-League. They reached this achievement when their 7,052nd fan passed through the gate, for the Round 3 match against Wellington. Adelaide United are only the third A-League club to do so thus far, the other two being Melbourne Victory and Sydney FC.[15]

The round 18 A-League match against Sydney FC at the Adelaide Oval saw $23,002 donated to the Starlight Foundation as $1 from every ticket sold for the match went to the charity.[16]

By the end of round 27, Adelaide had drawn level for first, equaling Melbourne's 38 points on the ladder, having needed to win 2–0 against the Central Coast Mariners away to win the premiership and only securing a 1–0 win. Adelaide was pushed down to second because of goal difference. The Reds, along with Melbourne, the Queensland Roar and Central Coast, proceeded to the finals where they lost 1–0 against Melbourne Victory in the grand final at Etihad Stadium, Melbourne.

Gamba Osaka entered the FIFA Club World Cup as the winner of the AFC Champion's League, freeing up the tournament's Japanese host position; Adelaide United, as runners-up of the AFC Champion's League, filled this position. Their first match was a play-off against 2007–08 OFC Champions League champions Waitakere United from New Zealand. The Reds defeated Waitakere 2–1 via two set plays from Paul Reid to secure a rematch with ACL rivals Gamba Osaka on 14 December – the third meeting between the two sides in three weeks.[17] The Reds fought valiantly and created many opportunities, in particular Travis Dodd,[18] but lost 0–1 after a 23rd minute shot by Gamba midfielder, Yasuhito Endō.[19] On 18 December, Adelaide played in the fifth-place play-off match against Egyptian club Al Ahly SC, defeating them 1–0 to be rewarded the fifth-place prize of US$1.5 million.[20] Adelaide United were awarded the Fair Play award upon the completion of the tournament, and Cristiano's goal in the fifth-place play-off was selected as goal of the tournament.[21]

2009–10 season

Adelaide United playing against Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors in the AFC Champions League in 2010.

After a stellar season in the A-League and internationally, Adelaide United began its pre-season without a financial owner; Nick Bianco relinquished his A-League license back to Football Federation Australia (FFA).[22] Regardless of this situation, the FFA ensured that Adelaide would have the funds available to recruit in the off-season and to maintain the club, whilst they would negotiate the new ownership deals. Adelaide United managed to secure major sponsors Modern Solar as well as Jim's Plumbing for their 2009–10 season.

Adelaide made a number of signings to replace the players which left in the off-season, most notably the departure of Saša Ognenovski to K-League side Seongnam Ilhwa. To fill the void, Adelaide signed former Sydney FC defenders, Iain Fyfe and Mark Rudan, Korean youngster Inseob Shin and former Drogheda United midfielder Adam Hughes. Arguably the biggest off-season signing was former Cheltenham Town and Brentford striker, Lloyd Owusu, a capped Ghanaian international. The Reds also elevated a handful of players from their Youth squad to the senior team, namely Francesco Monterosso, Michael Marrone and Joe Costa.

After making a rather average start to the 2009–10 season, the Reds made their final signing in promising young Bulleen Lions winger, Mathew Leckie prior to the Round 5 clash against Wellington Phoenix.[23] Leckie made an immediate impression, and scored his first goal in his second game off the bench against North Queensland Fury and would soon become a fan favourite.

With two rounds to go, and Adelaide sitting at the base of the table, the Reds made a surprise announcement that Argentine playmaker, Marcos Flores, who had signed on for 2 years starting with the club's third AFC Champions League venture, was to make his debut as an injury replacement for fellow import Cristiano. The South American made his presence felt in the final two games of the regular season, and helped Adelaide United finish the season with two consecutive wins.[24][25] This however, was still not enough to lift the club up from its 2009–10 wooden spoon status – the club's worst performing season in its short history.

Adelaide competed in the Champions League in 2010 after finishing second on the 2008–09 A-League league table, and runner-up in the Finals series to cross-border rivals, Melbourne Victory.[26] This will mark the return of Adelaide United to the continental club champions' tournament after a 1-year absence.

On 7 December 2009, Adelaide were drawn into Group H of the Champions League alongside 2009 Asian Champions Pohang Steelers, Chinese sister club Shandong Luneng and the winners of the 2009 Japanese Emperor's Cup.[27] Because Gamba Osaka, the winner of the Emperor's Cup, had already qualified through league placing, 4th placed Sanfrecce Hiroshima became Adelaide United's final opponent in Group H of the Champions League.[28]

In Adelaide's first match of the campaign played on 24 February against Pohang Steelers, Adelaide secured an important victory at Hindmarsh Stadium winning 1–0 courtesy of a fantastic individual effort by youngster Mathew Leckie on the stroke of half-time. They then continued their winning form by beating Shandong Luneng 2–0 and then coming from a 1–2 deficit to beat Sanfrecce Hiroshima 3–2. Despite not quite playing to the standard set in their opening three matches, Adelaide United managed to hold on to top spot in the group by securing a 0–0 draw against Pohang in Korea in between narrow 1–0 losses to Hiroshima in Hiroshima and then to Shandong Luneng at Hindmarsh in Adelaide.

Other results fell Adelaide's way and they finished on top of Group H resulting in a home match in the Round of 16. In an exciting, nerve-racking match, Adelaide lost to Jeonbuk Motors 3–2. Adelaide came back twice in the game, including a goal in the final seconds of the match. Jeonbuk won the match with a goal in the second half of extra time.[29]

2010–11 season

For the first time in the club's history, the Adelaide United was to be managed by an international manager in Rini Coolen,[30] moving away from the Adelaide United tradition of local coaches seen in its prior seasons.

As of 9 September 2010, Adelaide United had made Australian soccer history by becoming the first team to climb from the bottom of the table to the top, whilst the 2009–10 premiers and champions, Sydney FC, remained rooted at the bottom.[31] Adelaide United also claimed the record for longest undefeated streak in A-League history with their win over Wellington Phoenix in Week 11 of the league, consisting of thirteen games stretching back to the penultimate round of the 2009–10 A-League season. This surpassed Central Coast Mariners's previous record of twelve games undefeated set back in the 2005–06 A-League season. Unfortunately for Adelaide United, Brisbane Roar surpassed this newly set record, when the Roar comprehensively won their Week 16 fixture against Central Coast Mariners at Bluetongue Stadium.

Following 18 months under Football Federation Australia (FFA) financial administration, it was announced on 8 November 2010 that a South Australian consortium had taken over ownership of the club with a ten-year license. New co-owner Greg Griffin steps in as Chairman of the club, whilst ex-North Adelaide Football Club CEO, Glenn Elliott replaces Sam Ciccarello, who now takes up a role at the FFA.[32][33][34]

During the January 2011 transfer window, Coolen made a move to strengthen United's squad by signing former Uruguayan youth international Francisco Usúcar, and former Dutch international Andwélé Slory. Both signed until the end of the season and replaced former imports Lloyd Owusu and Inseob Shin, whose contracts were mutually terminated to allow the transfers to occur early in the year. Cameron Watson was also signed on as a mainstay squad member after his injury replacement contract expired at the end of December. Iain Fyfe, arguably Adelaide's most consistent defender in the season transferred to K-League outfit Busan I'Park for an undisclosed transfer fee, where he joined up with former team-mate Shin. As a replacement, Coolen brought in former Croatian youth international Dario Bodrušić to cover in defensive duties.

On 9 January 2011, Adelaide broke its longest winless streak against its rival club Melbourne Victory by posting a 4–1 away win in Melbourne at AAMI Park. Adelaide United then went on to make A-League history by recording the highest winning margin in the league's history with an 8–1 win over North Queensland Fury on 21 January 2011. This also marked the first time two players from the same side scored hat-tricks in one game (Sergio van Dijk and Marcos Flores), and matched the all-time highest match aggregate score of 9 goals scored in one match.

After a form slump in the second half of the season, United saw itself lose 10 of its last 19 games, but rebounded well in the final week of competition by winning 2–1 at Adelaide Oval against Melbourne Victory in front of 21,038 spectators – the club's largest crowd of the season. This ensured the club third place in overall standings at the end of the season, and hosting rights for at least the first week of the knock-out Finals Series.

Adelaide United went on to defeat Wellington Phoenix in the first week of the Finals under torrential rain, but succumbed to Gold Coast United in the second week and were knocked out of the competition on the back of a 2–3 home loss.

2011–12 season

As of 1 April 2011, all A-League clubs were able to negotiate new kit supplier deals as the previous contract with Reebok had elapsed and as such, Adelaide United negotiated a three-year deal with Erreà.[35]

Off-season transfers marked the departure of long serving players Travis Dodd, Lucas Pantelis and Robert Cornthwaite, and of fan favourites Mathew Leckie and Marcos Flores to overseas clubs. In a coup for the club and the A-League, Rini Coolen managed to secure the signatures of Socceroos Bruce Djite, Jon McKain and Dario Vidošić; with the latter being offered the Australian marquee player status at the club for the season. The signing of Ukrainian international, Evgeniy Levchenko completed Adelaide's foreign player quota.

It was announced at the season launch gala dinner on 26 August that the club's captain for the season would be Jon McKain, with Cássio and Eugene Galeković named as vice-captains.[36]

During the last weeks of the off-season in September, Adelaide recruited its final players to complete the squad for the season. Ricardo Da Silva was scouted and signed from local South Australian Super League outfit, Adelaide City, whilst double-winning defenders Milan Susak and Antony Golec were signed to add extra depth to the squad.

On 30 September 2011, the club announced its intention to purchase the Veneto Club complex located in Beverley, South Australia for an estimated $4 million and rename it the "Reds Centre". It is proposed that the refurbished facilities will be used as the club's permanent training venue for the players as well as for hosting post-match gatherings.[37] On 12 December 2011 it became evident that the deal had fallen through due to unacceptable changes made to the contract between land owners and the club.[38] The Veneto Centre was soon thereafter sold to Royal Park Salvage, despite the final sale not being announced.

On 18 December 2011 it was announced that head coach Rini Coolen had been sacked and replaced by former coach John Kosmina as caretaker coach for the rest of the season, including the AFC Champions League group stage of 2012.[30] As part of Kosmina's takeover of the head coaching position, Eugene Galeković was named club captain on 28 December 2011, replacing Jon McKain.[39]

Their fourth appearance in the competition – more times than any other Australian club – Adelaide qualified for the 2012 AFC Champions League playoff round by finishing third in the 2010–11 A-League. Originally Adelaide had to go through the play-off stage to get through to the group stage, but following the withdrawal of Chinese club Liaoning Whowin and Indonesian club Persipura Jayapura, Adelaide was given direct entry to the Group Stage. They were placed in Group E, quickly dubbed the 'Group of Death' by numerous commentators. Coincidentally, Adelaide was drawn along with Uzbek side Bunyodkor, whom Adelaide knocked out of the 2008 Asian Champions League to subsequently progress to the final, and Gamba Osaka, the club that Adelaide faced in that 2008 final. The last place in Group E was given to Pohang Steelers, who won the play-off tie against the winner of the 2011 Thai FA Cup, Chonburi FC.

On 2 May, Adelaide qualified through to the Round of 16 for a third time after playing out a 0–0 draw with FC Bunyodkor. They then went on to qualify for the quarter finals with a 1–0 win at home against Nagoya Grampus. A fortnight later on 14 June, Adelaide was drawn with FC Bunyodkor for the quarter-finals, with the first leg at Hindmarsh Stadium on 19 September.

This first leg saw Adelaide surrender a 2–0 lead, with Bunyodkor clawing back two goals to end the home leg 2–2. The return leg in Tashkent on 3 October was again locked at 2–2 after 90 minutes of play, requiring the game to go to extra time and possible penalties thereafter. Despite an Iain Ramsay goal in the third minute opening scoring to give Adelaide the lead, Bunyodkor eventually eliminated Adelaide by scoring in added extra time. In this match Jeronimo Neumann scored his first goal for the club, coming off the bench in the 61st minute and scoring within forty seconds. Adelaide ended the match with nine men, having Iain Fyfe and Fabian Barbiero both sent off after receiving two yellow cards.

2012–13 season

Adelaide United's 2012–13 season was John Kosmina's first full season as permanent coach since being appointed in a caretaker role from Rini Coolen in December 2011. The season was also Kosmina's first in charge at Adelaide since the 2006–7 season. The offseason and preseason saw the signings of Fábio Ferreira from Sydney-based Dulwich Hill FC, Marcelo Carrusca, Daniel Bowles and Jake Barker-Daish. The club begin a new deal with kit supplier Kappa and local solar panel firm Unleash Solar, who joined the club as front-of-kit sponsor.

The club's home and away season began away to Newcastle Jets on 7 October 2012 just four days after being eliminated from the 2012 Asian Champions League. The match saw Adelaide win 2–0, with goals from Dario Vidosic and Iain Ramsay, as well as the debuts of Ferreira, Carrusca, Bowles and Barker-Daish for Adelaide. Adelaide followed this up a week later with a 1–0 win over Western Sydney Wanderers FC in their first away trip, the lone goal to Neumann, thus dealing Western Sydney their first loss and first goal conceded. In Round 3 Adelaide played Melbourne Victory at Etihad Stadium on 19 October. Despite gaining a lead early in the second half through a Vidosic penalty, Melbourne Victory scored two goals for their first win of the season, and Adelaide's first loss.

Adelaide United responded to the loss in kind the following round at home, coming from a goal down to defeat Wellington Phoenix 3–1 in Cássio's 100th A-League match. Aptly, he scored, as did Neumann. In Round 5 Adelaide travelled to Brisbane, continuing their good form at Suncorp Stadium. Dario Vidosic scored from a free kick in just the third minute. Adelaide successfully defended the lead and won the match 1–0, with much notable praise heaped on goalkeeper and captain Eugene Galekovic. Adelaide returned home for a Remembrance Day match against Perth Glory. Perth scored the opening goal, but Adelaide equalised through Vidosic. The match ended 1–1. A week later Adelaide recorded another 1–0 success, this time over Melbourne Heart. Again, the lone scorer was Neumann.

By this point Adelaide had earnt its position at the top of the A-League ladder, with five wins, one draw and just one loss. A trip to Sydney at Allianz Stadium on 23 November saw a sixth win against Sydney FC. Ferreira scored his first goal for the club before Yairo Yau equalised. Vidosic struck home the winner in the 88th minute, Adelaide winning 2–1 and continuing Sydney FC's poor form. United's next match was at Bluetongue Stadium against Central Coast Mariners. Eugene Galekovic and Dario Vidosic had been selected to compete for Australia in the East Asian Cup, and therefore did not play the match. However, Vidosic gained an injury and consequently remained in Australia, though he missed the match. Paul Izzo made his debut in place of Eugene Galekovic, becoming the 100th-ever player to make an appearance for Adelaide United. Adelaide gained the lead through Bruce Djite in the 17th minute and led at half-time, but the goal was not enough and Central Coast scored two goals in the second half to hand Adelaide just its second loss in eight games.

A week later Adelaide hosted Melbourne Victory on 7 December. Over 14,000 fans attended, and it proved to be one of the most-watched matches of the season. The match indirectly attracted controversy when reports surfaced of apparent massive, multimillion-dollar bets being placed on the game. Adelaide defeated Melbourne Victory 4–2. Evan Kostopoulos scored his first ever A-League goals, netting a brace, with Ferriera and Carrusca adding to Adelaide's tally. Carrusca scored an astonishing effort, striking the ball with his first touch on the right flank it curved to the inside left of the goal, around Melbourne Victory goalkeeper Nathan Coe. A week later Adelaide notched an eighth win for the season, again defeating Wellington Phoenix 3–1, with a brace to Carrusca and a goal by Ferreira. The final action of the match saw Eugene Galekovic save a penalty, and then athletically save the rebound.

Cameron Watson, Bruce Djite, Cassio, Jeronimo Neumann and Fabio Ferreira each extended their contracts for a further two years. Round 12 saw Adelaide make a first-ever trip to Parramatta Stadium on 21 December. Western Sydney Wanderers had previously been somewhat scrutinised for a lack of goalscoring form, but on this occasion defeated Adelaide 6–1. On Boxing Day Adelaide hosted Brisbane Roar, losing 1–0. The match was Adelaide's first home loss and first match without scoring in the season. United rebounded on New Year's Eve, hosting Sydney FC and winning 3–0. Vidosic scored a brace with Ramsay netting the final goal. United followed this with a 0–0 draw in hot, dry conditions at Newcastle. On 11 January 2013, Adelaide United hosted Perth Glory. Some tension had been brewing between supporters and stadium security, as well as with the club itself. Both supporter groups staged a silent protest, with the issue being given significant media attention on internet and radio, citing disconnect with the club and heavy-handedness by security staff. At the conclusion of the protest, the stadium erupted to rapturous applause. Adelaide went on to defeat Perth 3–2.

Adelaide United lost its next three matches. Firstly was a 2–0 loss away to Melbourne Heart, and subsequently a 3–1 loss away to Central Coast Mariners (despite, again, gaining the lead before half-time). John Kosmina had expressed his desire to the club for a two-year extension to his contract, and rumours publicly emerged of assistant coach Michael Valkanis being offered a contract extension, but not Kosmina. Kosmina resigned as head coach shortly thereafter. Valkanis was appointed as interim coach until the end of the season, with former Adelaide City FC player Sergio Melta being appointed as his assistant. Valkanis' first match in charge saw Adelaide lose 2–4 at home to Western Sydney, but a week later delivered a resounding 1–0 win over Melbourne Victory, Jeronimo Neumann once more the lone goalscorer. The triumph ended Victory's run of form, who subsequently struggled for positive results for the remainder of the season.

Unleash Solar collapsed and went into administration, eventually dissolving. This left the club with no front-of-shirt sponsor. Adelaide announced the signing of Tomi Jurić on a short-term deal until the conclusion of the season. Adelaide won just one of its remaining matches, a 2–0 away win over Melbourne Heart. Finishing the season in fourth place, United hosted Brisbane Roar in an elimination final, but lost 1–2, thereby ending Adelaide's season.

2013–14 season

The 2013–14 season was the club's ninth A-League season. In the winter transfer window, newly appointed manager Josep Gombau was quick to add Spanish flavour into the squad. He brought in fellow Spaniards Sergio Cirio and Isaías. He also added other players including Tarek Elrich and Steven Lustica, Michael Zullo for a season long loan and Brent McGrath as a four-week injury replacement player. Awer Mabil and Jordan Elsey were also promoted from the youth system, each rewarded with two-year contracts. The club also let four contracts expire; those of Iain Ramsay, Tomi Juric, Fabian Barbiero and Evan Kostopoulos. Iain Fyfe and Zenon Caravella both had their contracts cut short and terminated. Sergio van Dijk was transferred to Persib Bandung and Dario Vidošić to FC Sion for a reported $700,000 transfer fee.

The Reds had a shaky start to their season under new manager Gombau. They had only a single win in their first nine games for the season and early calls started for the club to show the door to the new man in charge. Gombau quickly changed the club's fortunes, getting his second win in round 10 against the Central Coast Mariners, with a 4–0 result. The team continued this form to finish sixth on the table after the 27 home-and-away games, which let them into the finals by two points. Adelaide's season was ended by Central Coast in the elimination final, losing 1–0.

The Reds' highest attendance in the 2013–14 season was 16,504 in the round 2 clash with Melbourne Victory at Hindmarsh Stadium which ended in a 2–2 draw.

Colours and badge

The Adelaide United badge, used from the club's foundation in 2003 to 2005

Adelaide United's original strip was made using the three South Australian state colours: red, blue and yellow. The shirt was mainly red with a large yellow stripe down both sleeves with blue being used for the short colour and the stripe running down each side of the top. The badge also uses the state colours in a stylized swoosh, above what appears to be a soccer ball made with the Southern Cross, as opposed to the traditional hexagonal panels of a soccer ball. The football is similar in appearance to that of the UEFA Champions League logo.

Since their inception into the A-League, Adelaide United's kits, along with the rest of the league, have been manufactured by Reebok. United's kit has moved towards a predominately all-red kit, both top and shorts, with black trim. Originally, the away strip was predominantly white, with red sleeves and yellow trim however in 2009 the club launched a predominantly black 'clash' strip.

The launch of the new national league also saw Adelaide launch a new badge; while keeping a similar look and feel as its predecessor the new badge takes the form of more traditional football badge with its shield like border.

Adelaide United's 2009/10 playing kit didn't feature a sponsor on the front of their kit. Towards the end of the season, United signed a deal with Jim's Group which saw the Jim's Plumbing logo feature on the front of United's home and away kits. The deal only lasted for the remainder of the season as the logo isn't displayed on Adelaide's home or away kits in the 2010/11 season.

On 16 December 2010, Coopers Brewery announced that their logo would feature on the front of the jersey for the remainder of the season, in a deal worth to be around $200,000.

As of 1 April 2011, all A-League clubs were able to negotiate new kit supplier deals as the previous contract with Reebok had elapsed and as such, Adelaide United negotiated a 3-year deal with Erreà.[35]

On 2 March 2012, the club announced Legea as the official kit suppliers for their 2012 Asian Champions League campaign. Legea are exclusively supplying all of the team's authentic on-field and off-field apparel for the clubs 6 ACL group-stage matches.[40]

Adelaide United is most commonly referred to as "The Reds" because of their predominantly red playing kit. In February 2009 the club's head coach, Aurelio Vidmar referred to the City of Adelaide as a "Pissant Town" after suffering a heartbreaking loss. The club's supporters eventually utilised the name "Pissants" as a term of endearment and it became an unofficial nickname of the club between its supporters.

YearsKit manufacturerMajor sponsor(s)
2005–06ReebokFairmont Homes, Bianco
2007–08Sakai, Club Financial
2008–09Sakai, Bianco
2009–10Jim's Plumbing, Modern Solar
2010–11Coopers Brewery, Stratco
2011–12Erreà
2012Legea
2012–13KappaUnleash Solar
2013–14Veolia
2014–15Veolia, Datong Australia

Stadium

Hindmarsh Stadium, home ground of Adelaide United

Adelaide United play their home matches at Hindmarsh Stadium with the exceptions being when they played two games a year at Adelaide Oval, one against interstate rivals Melbourne Victory and traditional rivals Sydney FC. Even though Adelaide lost the first of these two encounters 3–1, it was South Australia's largest football crowd in history with 25,039 people filling the stands, many others were turned away at the gates.[41] The second match in 2009 saw 23,002 people attend the game.[16]

Hindmarsh Stadium seating capacity is 17,000. Adelaide United's first home game in the now defunct National Soccer League saw over 15,000 supporters watch Adelaide win 1–0 over the Brisbane Strikers.[42]

A-League crowds have averaged 10,947 in 2005–06 and over 12,000 supporters attending in both 2006–07 and 2007–08 seasons. Despite a lack of on-field success, crowds at United's games remained healthy during the 2009–10 season relative to other clubs, largely due to the club's strong community-based initiatives.[43] The record attendance for Hindmarsh Stadium was a full house of 17,000 on 12 November 2008 against Gamba Osaka in the historic second leg of the ACL final.[44]

Rivalries

Adelaide United's rivals are Melbourne Victory. Adelaide was again one of two of the leading teams in the 2006–07 season this time against Melbourne that saw an altercation between John Kosmina, the Adelaide United manager, and Kevin Muscat after the Victory captain knocked Kosmina over after entering the technical area to retrieve a ball. Kosmina then jumped up and grabbed Muscat around the throat for a few seconds.[45] Season events culminated in the year's grandfinal that saw Adelaide captain, Ross Aloisi, sent off and Melbourne winning 6–0. The rivalry went beyond extreme after Melbourne defeated Adelaide United 1–0 in the 2008–09 grand final with United imported striker, Cristiano, given a controversial straight red card. The rivalry then went even further when Adelaide United defeated Melbourne 4–1 at AAMI Park, after United had been suffering a record-breaking 10-game losing streak against the Victory.[46]

Affiliated clubs

Adelaide United Director Mel Patzwald signed a 'sister' club relationship in November 2006, which includes access to Miami's 'academy' Desportivo Brasil.[47] The deal saw a friendly take place at Hindmarsh Stadium along with the transfer of Diego and Romário to Adelaide.[48]

Adelaide United Director Mel Patzwald signed a 'sister' club relationship with Chinese Super League Club Shandong Luneng in December 2008. The agreement lasted until 2012.[49]

Players

First team squad

[50] Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Position Player
1 Australia GK Eugene Galekovic (Captain)
2 Australia DF Michael Marrone
3 Italy MF Iacopo La Rocca
4 Australia DF Dylan McGowan
6 Australia MF Stefan Mauk
7 Spain FW Pablo Sánchez
8 Spain MF Isaías
9 Spain FW Sergio Cirio
10 Argentina MF Marcelo Carrusca (Vice Captain)
11 Australia FW Bruce Djite
12 Australia MF Mark Ochieng
No. Position Player
13 Australia FW Dylan Smith
14 Australia MF George Mells
15 Australia DF Ben Warland
16 Australia DF Craig Goodwin
17 Australia FW Mate Dugandzic
18 Indonesia FW Sergio van Dijk (ACL squad only)
19 Australia FW Eli Babalj (on loan from AZ Alkmaar)
20 Australia GK John Hall
21 Australia DF Tarek Elrich
23 Australia DF Jordan Elsey
24 Australia MF Bruce Kamau

Youth squad

Further information: Adelaide United FC Youth

Club Champion (Player of the Year)

[51]

Season Winner
2003–04 Australia Richie Alagich
2005–06 Australia Carl Veart
2006–07 Australia Jason Spagnuolo
2007–08 Brazil Cássio
2008–09 Australia Eugene Galeković
2009–10 Australia Eugene Galeković
  
Season Winner
2010–11 Brazil Cássio
2011–12 Australia Zenon Caravella
2012–13 Australia Dario Vidošić
2013–14 Spain Isaías
2014–15 Spain Sergio Cirio

Coaching and medical staff

First Team

Position Name
Head Coach Spain Guillermo Amor
Assistant Coaches Spain Pau Martí

Australia Michael Valkanis

General Manager of Football Operations Australia Ante Kovacevic
Goalkeeping Coach Australia Peter Blazincic
High Performance Manager Australia Greg King
Equipment Manager Australia Milan Sofranic
Club Doctor Australia James Ilic
Head Trainer Australia Peter Duke
Trainer Australia John Smith

Australia Dion Lambrinos

Head Physiotherapist Australia Peter Chitti
Physiotherapist Australia Harry Truong
Dietician Australia Anthony Mead

Youth Team and NPL Department

Position Name
Head Coach Vacant
Assistant Coach Vacant
Goalkeeping Coach Australia Peter Blazincic

Source: Adelaide United FC

Managerial History
Name From To Managed Won  Drawn Lost Win % Notes
Australia John Kosmina Sept 2003 Feb 2007 88 42 20 25 48% 2005–06 A-League Premiers Plate
Australia Aurelio Vidmar Feb 2, 2007 June 30, 2010 102 39 30 33 38% 2008 AFC Champions League Runners-up
Netherlands Rini Coolen July 5, 2010 Dec 21, 2011 50 21 10 19 42% First foreign head coach
Australia John Kosmina Dec 18, 2011 Jan 28, 2013 44 19 10 15 43%
→ Australia Michael Valkanis (Interim) Jan 28, 2013 April 30, 2013 10 2 3 5 20%
Spain Josep Gombau May 1, 2013 July 24, 2015 62 30 12 20 48% 2014 FFA Cup Winners
Spain Guillermo Amor July 24, 2015 Present 23 10 6 7 44%

Board and management

Ownership Consortium and Club Board[52]

Chairman: Greg Griffin
Club Patron: Fay Gerard
Members of Consortium: Robert Gerard, Richard Noble and Bruno Marveggio
Additional Board Members: Joe Borreli and Francis Wong
CEO: Grant Mayer

Honours

Domestic

Premiers (1): 2005–06
Runners-up (2): 2006–07, 2008–09
Runners-up (2): 2007, 2009
Appearances (7): 2004, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015
Winners (1): 2014
Winners (2): 2006, 2007

Asian

Runners-up (1): 2008

International

Fifth place (1): 2008

Records

For more details on this topic, see List of Adelaide United FC records and statistics.

Adelaide United hold both the A-League records for greatest win, with an 8–1 victory against North Queensland Fury on 21 January 2011 as well as a 7–0 win against Newcastle Jets FC on 25 January 2015.

Eugene Galekovic holds the club record for all-time most appearances, with 201 matches played.

Travis Dodd holds the club record for all-time highest goalscorer in all competitions, with 38 goals scored.

See also

References

  1. ↑ "A-League owners to be offered far longer licenses by Football Federation Australia". www.adelaidenow.com.au. 28 October 2013. Retrieved 2 April 2014.
  2. ↑ "A-League: Adelaide marks a decade United". abc.net.au. Retrieved 18 December 2014.
  3. ↑ "Kosmina Named Coach Of Adelaide United". footballaustralia.com.au. Retrieved 18 December 2014.
  4. ↑ Kosmina takes a dive, The Age
  5. ↑ Adelaide coach quits after A-League final loss, Soccer Net on ESPN
  6. ↑ Sarkies joins United, A-League Official News
  7. ↑ Reds take giant leap towards AFC Champions League Final
  8. ↑ Adelaide United into AFC Champions League Final
  9. ↑ Vidmar: ‘As big as the World Cup!’ Archived 27 February 2009 at the Wayback Machine
  10. ↑ Nishino: We won the mental battle Archived 25 October 2008 at the Wayback Machine
  11. ↑ Adelaide toasted by Oz media Archived 28 December 2008 at the Wayback Machine
  12. ↑ Gamba crowned kings of Asia Archived 25 January 2009 at the Wayback Machine
  13. ↑ Burns is Athens boundRetrieved on 11 June 2008
  14. ↑ "Rivaldo Inspires Burns", Adelaide Advertiser, Friday 13 June 2008, p118
  15. ↑ Adelaide United set to reach magic million
  16. 1 2 "Adelaide regains top spot with win over Sydney FC". Adelaide United. 3 January 2009. Retrieved 2009-01-04.
  17. ↑ Reid provides tonic for Reds’ opening Club World Cup victory
  18. ↑ Unlucky Adelaide go down to Gamba
  19. ↑ Adelaide United – Gamba Osaka FIFA Match Report Archived 27 January 2016 at the Wayback Machine
  20. ↑ Adelaide's high five Archived 27 January 2016 at the Wayback Machine
  21. ↑ FIFA Club World Cup 2008 Awards Archived 12 January 2016 at the Wayback Machine
  22. ↑ "FFA take over Adelaide United FC licence". Adelaide United FC (A-League). 8 May 2009. Retrieved 2010-03-01.
  23. ↑ "Reds make final signing". Adelaide United FC (A-League). 2 September 2009. Retrieved 2010-03-01.
  24. ↑ "Reds finally display finals form to defeat Roar". Adelaide United FC (A-League). 6 February 2010. Retrieved 2010-03-01.
  25. ↑ "Reds' victory over Jets boosts confidence ahead of ACL". Adelaide United FC (A-League). 12 February 2009. Retrieved 2010-03-01.
  26. ↑ "Adelaide books Grand Final date after beating Roar". Adelaide United FC (A-League). 21 February 2009. Retrieved 2009-07-27.
  27. ↑ "Pohang, Group H rivals nervously eye Emperor's Cup". The Asian Football Confederation. 7 December 2009. Retrieved 2009-12-08.
  28. ↑ "Vidmar excited about heading back to Hiroshima". Adelaide United FC (A-League). 4 January 2010. Retrieved 2010-01-17.
  29. ↑ "Reds' ACL dream ends in heartbreak". Adelaide United FC (A-League). 12 May 2010. Retrieved 23 May 2010.
  30. 1 2 "Reds appoint Dutchman as new Head Coach". Adelaide United FC (A-League). 2010-07-05. Retrieved 2010-07-05.
  31. ↑ Migliaccio, Val (2010-09-09). "Adelaide United creates history". AdelaideNow (News Limited). Retrieved 2010-09-20.
  32. ↑ Migliaccio, Val (2010-11-08). "SA white knights for United". AdelaideNow (News Limited). Retrieved 2010-11-08.
  33. ↑ "Reds Revolution". FourFourTwo Australia (Haymarket Media). 2010-11-08. Retrieved 2010-11-08.
  34. ↑ "Reds enter exciting era with new ownership". Adelaide United FC (A-League). 2010-11-08. Retrieved 2010-11-08.
  35. 1 2 "AUFC announce new kit supplier". Adelaide United FC (A-League). 2011-04-12. Retrieved 2011-04-12.
  36. ↑ "McKain to lead Reds". Adelaide United FC (A-League). 2011-08-26. Retrieved 2011-10-02.
  37. ↑ Migliaccio, Val (2011-09-30). "United on move to Reds Centre". The Advertiser (News Limited). Retrieved 2011-10-02.
  38. ↑ Adams, Kara (2011-12-12). "Adelaide United decides against Veneto Club deal". Weekly Times (The Messenger). Retrieved 2011-12-18.
  39. ↑ "Galekovic takes over as Reds skipper". A-League (Football Federation Australia). 2011-12-28. Retrieved 2011-12-28.
  40. ↑ Legea on board as Reds’ ACL apparel supplier – Adelaide United FC 2011
  41. ↑ Sydney over-run Adelaide
  42. ↑ Reformed Adelaide reap the rewards of a United front
  43. ↑ Why are bottom-club Adelaide's crowds so good?, The Roar, Retrieved on 1 February 2010.
  44. ↑ Gamba Osaka too good for Adelaide in ACL Final
  45. ↑ Kosmina faces ban for fracas
  46. ↑ A-League toasts magical Melbourne
  47. ↑ "Miami FC Establishes Club Partnership in Australia". Miami FC. 14 October 2006. Archived from the original on 17 November 2015. Retrieved 2009-02-22.
  48. ↑ "Miami FC beats Adelaide United 2 x 1". Miami FC. 16 October 2006. Archived from the original on 17 November 2015. Retrieved 2009-02-22.
  49. ↑ Cockerill, Michael (4 December 2008). "Youth pool may ease the heat for Kossie". Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 2009-02-22.
  50. ↑ http://www.adelaideunited.com.au/team/a_league
  51. ↑ "Cirio named Reds' Club Champion". Adelaide United FC (A-League). 2015-05-22. Retrieved 2015-06-28.
  52. ↑ "About Us". Adelaide United FC. Retrieved 2015-06-28.

External links

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