Adelaide United have announced Adrian Stenta, the club’s Ninja A-League Women head coach, has been appointed assistant coach of the club’s Isuzu UTE A-League Men side on a two-year deal.
After seven years overseeing the club’s women’s side, Stenta will depart the role to become assistant to Adelaide’s new men’s head coach Airton Andrioli; his two-year contract as men’s assistant includes an option to extend for an additional season.
As Stenta’s time as Adelaide’s Ninja A-League head coach comes to an end, the club’s women’s program is stronger than ever before following a season like no other in the club’s history.
Stenta was named Ninja A-League Coach of the Year at the end of the 2024-25 campaign, having lifted the Reds from a wooden spoon finish the season prior up to third and into the Semi-Finals off the back of a club-record 45-point haul, triple the tally from 2023-24.
Adelaide won 14 games under Stenta’s watch last season and went 11 games unbeaten through the regular season – a new club record.
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Stenta oversaw 92 games as Adelaide’s Ninja A-League head coach since his appointment in 2020 after serving as assistant coach at the club for two seasons prior; seven years later, as he prepares for the next step in his coaching journey, Stenta delivered an emotional message of thanks to the club, its players and supporters while reflecting on his time in charge of the women’s side.
“I’d like to thank the club for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to work within and lead the A League Women at Adelaide United,” he said. “It’s been both a pleasure and a joy, the absolute highlight of my coaching journey.
“To all the amazing staff and players, I have worked alongside these past seven seasons, your hard work and dedication to your craft has never gone unnoticed and is very much appreciated. I’m extremely grateful for the time we shared together.
“I’d also like to thank all those who supported us along the way, whether they be friends, family, (Ninja A-League) members and supporters in the stands or commercial partners who stood by the women’s team during my time in charge.
“I’m excited to begin the next stage of my growth and development as a football coach and for the opportunities that lay ahead for the (Ninja A-League) side at Adelaide United.”
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With Stenta’s appointment as assistant coach to Andrioli, the club confirmed the process to find a replacement as head coach of the Ninja A-League side is underway while thanking the outgoing women’s boss for his contribution over seven “transformative” years.
Remaining at the club he loves in a new position, Stenta was lauded by Adelaide technical director Ernest Faber as a coach with a deep connection to the club’s football philosophy.
“Adrian’s coaching knowledge, work ethic, and communication style are exceptional, and I’ve been a long-time admirer of how he brings the best out of people,” Faber said.
“He has earned this opportunity and will be an excellent support to Airton as we continue to build a strong and connected football philosophy across the Club. It’s also another important step in helping a South Australian coach grow within our system.”
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