Adelaide United CEO Nathan Kosmina said the Reds are determined to fulfil Craig Goodwin’s silverware ambition, while he also identified an “issue” the A-Leagues club are looking to address.
Kosmina delivered an update to fans following the end of the 2024-25 Isuzu UTE A-League and Ninja A-League seasons.
It is a new era for the men’s team with Airton Andrioli at the helm after the longest serving head coach Carl Veart departed after Adelaide lost in the Elimination Final, while the women’s side produced the best season in club history on the back of a top-four finish and Semi-Final berth.
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Kosmina highlighted “one of our most significant announcements in recent years” following the return of Reds legend and Socceroo Goodwin as the Adelaide CEO also pinpointed the “root cause” of the club’s drop to sixth in the Isuzu UTE A-League regular season.
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“As we turn the page on what was a successful yet by some measures, an unfulfilled 2024/25 season, I wanted to reflect on the year that was and share insights into the Club’s planning and priorities for the year ahead,” Kosmina wrote.
“This time last season we set a baseline expectation of top-six finishes for both our Men’s and Women’s teams with top four the target. Our Women’s side achieved this, producing the best season in club history, while our Men’s side fell one win short of a home Semi-Final, albeit with a somewhat lacklustre back end of the season. Regardless of whether these achievements are cause for celebration or concern, the fact is we made significant strides forward in 2024-25 and laid the foundations for further improvements and success in 2025-26.
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“We spoke last pre-season about the importance of stability in our programs and how that is often a precursor to strong performances on-field. This was definitely the case early this season with the Men top of the table in January, driving results and player development side-by-side as is our mantra.
“The loss of four players to the AFC U20 Asian Cup in February may have unsettled the balance of the squad in February, however, the root cause of our drop to sixth by Round 26 was our propensity to concede goals. We won’t hide from this as an issue to resolve but our attacking brand of football will remain a hallmark of our on-field identity; one that reflects our commitment to youth development, playing dynamic, attacking football with a strong pressing style and tactical discipline.
“The appointment of Airton Andrioli as our Men’s Head Coach aligns with these principles and will underpin our improvement next season. Airton brings a proven, direct footballing mindset, along with tactical discipline, perhaps best referenced by our Youth team in 2023 becoming the first A-League club in the country to win an NPL Championship – this achievement cannot be understated. Alongside Carl Veart, Airton has been the mastermind behind the rebirth of South Australia as the breeding ground for our National Teams, with our state now the best developer of national team talent per capita in the country.
“Accordingly, I’d like to take this opportunity to recognise Carl’s contributions over the past five years as our Men’s Head Coach. No individual has played a greater role in the on-field and cultural rebuild of Adelaide United since COVID.
“While his coaching journey with us has come to an end, he will forever be a club legend, and his legacy will endure far beyond this season. On a personal note, and on behalf of the Club, thank you Carl and we wish you all the very best for the future.
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“Based on this success and legacy, our commitment to youth development remains crucial and has now been mimicked across the league by the majority of clubs. Loyalty to South Australia talent is embedded in the Club’s DNA and we will not shy away from it moving forward.
“The return of Craig Goodwin is one of our most significant announcements in recent years. Craig is undoubtedly one of our greatest ever players whose legacy across 168 games played for the club is arguably already set.
“However, Craig has made it clear that his return to South Australia is not simply a return home, but rather he is driven by a passionate ambition to win silverware. We share this same ambition and it is our role to ensure it is fulfilled, which starts from 1 July when the team returns to training.
“Whilst we are now focused on the future, it’s also important to take the time to reflect on the remarkable achievements, including individual accolades to collective milestones, across the playing and coaching group in 2024-25:
- Most successful A-League Women’s season in Club history
The 2024/25 campaign was record-breaking including the longest undefeated streak, most clean-sheets, and a historic first ever Semi-Finals appearance.
- Men’s team continue strong finals presence
Our Men’s side qualified for the Finals Series for the sixth time in the past eight seasons.
- Adrian Stenta named as Coach of the Year for the second time
Adrian Stenta was once again recognised as Ninja A-League Coach of the Year for our record-breaking season. Thank you Adrian for an unbelievable season and we are proud that your efforts have been recognised on the national stage.
- Erin Healy’s breakout season
Erin Healy capped off a phenomenal season by finishing second in the Julie Dolan Medal Count as well as taking out the Club’s highest honour in the Dianne Alagich medal.
- Ethan Alagich crowned Aurelio Vidmar medallist
Ethan Alagich took out our highest individual honour and his development last season highlights the strength of our pathway and the maturity of his performances at senior level. He was also rewarded with his first National Team call-up.
- International recognition for our players
Half of our registered A-League 2024/25 Men’s Playing Squad have been called up for National Team duty in the past twelve months. This is a huge testament to Adelaide United’s contribution to international football far exceeding our size as a city and state. We had four senior and two youth players from our Women’s program called up to represent national teams this season, a marked increase on last season.
- AFC U20 Asian Cup Champions
Four current players, and six including Club alumni, played pivotal roles in securing the AFC U20 Asian Cup Champion title with Adelaide the largest A-League supplier of talent for the competition squad.
- Club Legends transition into new roles
IsaÃas and Javi López both announced their retirement from professional football, with IsaÃas finishing up as the Adelaide United all-time appearance holder. Both will remain with the Club and their respective coaching roles will be announced in the coming weeks.
- Milestone moments for Isabel Hodgson and Dylan Holmes
“Isabel Hodgson and Dylan Holmes both reached the significant milestone of 100 appearances for the club. Such a milestone cannot be understated with the Women’s league previously having as few as eight games per season at its inception.
“As mentioned, our Men’s players will return to training in July with our Australia Cup campaign to commence in late-July. Our aim for the competition simply is to win it, with the Cup being our number one priority in the pre-season. Our run into October’s A-League season start will also include our tradition of hosting pre-season matches at local clubs, with Cove FC and Playford Patriots confirmed for trial matches next month.
“Off the field we are well progressed in working towards finalisation of next season’s fixtures in conjunction with the APL. The success of our Double Headers at Coopers Stadium, along with our marquee matchups, are requests that have been put forward again in our fixture wishlist.
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“The 2024-25 season saw a further year-on-year increase for our average attendance for Coopers Stadium fixtures. The past season’s attendances were almost double that of 2021-22, with an additional 7,000 Reds fans through the turnstiles from last season alone. We want to take this opportunity to thank Adelaide Venue Management (AVM) for their ongoing support, including with initiatives such as our standalone Women’s game, to continue to produce the best matchday experience, at the best stadium in the country.
“From a financial perspective, this season the club was able to achieve growth across every one of our key drivers, most notably membership, ticketing, and sponsorships. This speaks not only to the strong connection and trust we have with the South Australian football community, but also the carefully curated strategic direction undertaken by the club, aligned with our heritage and state values.
“Looking ahead, our focus is of course building on the strong off-field foundations set in 2024-25. We are committed to further nurturing our membership base as the heartbeat of our club, strengthening our commercial partnerships, and investing in key areas to ensure the club’s long-term sustainability and success irrespective of interstate influence.
“Lastly, I want to acknowledge the efforts of our administrative, football operations, match day staff and volunteers. Much of what makes this club function and thrive happens outside the spotlight, and the work done behind the scenes this season has been outstanding and we are excited for what 2025-26 has in-store.
“We look forward to sharing more in the coming weeks as our squads take shape and preparations intensify, but I want to take this opportunity to thank you as always for your support.
“At this time we are calling on our Reds faithful to join us again as Members for the 2025/26 season, with our renewal window commencing shortly. Our fans and match day atmosphere at Coopers Stadium is a genuine competitive edge; it’s a connection we’re proud of, and never take for granted. Thank you once again and bring on 2025/26!”
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