And just like that, Carl Veart and Adelaide United are no more. Friday night’s Isuzu UTE A-League Elimination Final defeat to Western United brought an end to a five-year coaching tenure.
The longest serving coach in the club’s history who had already been told his contract would not be renewed, the curtain came down on Veart’s reign following a 3-2 loss under the Ironbark Fields lights.
Adelaide succumbed to Noah Botic’s record-breaking hat-trick in Tarneit.
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For Veart – an Adelaide legend following his career as a player and coach at Coopers Stadium, the loss signalled the end of an era in South Australia.
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“It won’t hit me until I go home and maybe in a week’s time when I reflect on my time,” the 54-year-old told reporters post-game.
“It’s been five years. An enjoyable five years. Proud of what I’ve done for the club and trajectory we’ve put it in. Hopefully it can continue.”
During Veart’s tenure, he guided the Reds to three Semi-Final appearances while nurturing South Australian young talent like Nestory Irankunda, Mohamed Toure, Giuseppe Bovalina, Panagiotis Kikianis, Ethan Alagich, Luka Jovanovic, Harry Crawford and Ryan White.
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“I always go back as a young South Australian, I was given that opportunity at Adelaide City. That’s something, working in youth football a long time, it used to frustrate me that young kids weren’t given an opportunity at Adelaide United,” Veart said.
“To have that opportunity come back to the club, work at the club and then open that pathway up… we’ve seen the benefits of that.
“We’re not the only club doing that. Young players will always surprise you if they’re given an opportunity and given belief that they’re good enough to play. That’s all I’ve tried to do with our young boys.”
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So, what does the future hold for Veart?
“As a coach, there’s not many opportunities. I’ll look at anything. Willing to go anywhere if it’s a good opportunity,” he replied.
