Fan favourite departs ‘boyhood club’ as Adelaide announce key exits: ‘This club means everything to me’

Adelaide United have confirmed defender Jordan Elsey and midfielders Josh Cavallo and Ryan Tunnicliffe will all leave the Isuzu UTE A-League upon the completion of their contracts.

Totalling 145 appearances for Adelaide United across two spells, Elsey will be fondly remembered by Reds fans having enjoyed plenty of success during his time at Coopers Stadium.

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A Premiership and Championship winner with the Reds in 2015-16, Elsey also won two Australia Cups with the club in 2018 and 2019.

 “This Club means everything to me – it’s where I grew up, made my debut, and shared unforgettable moments like winning the Championship with my hometown team,” said Elsey after his exit was confirmed.

“Leaving is incredibly tough because of my love for Adelaide United, but as they say, that’s football.

He added: “I’m truly grateful for the journey and wish the Club nothing but success moving forward.”

On Elsey’s exit, Adelaide United’s Head of Football, Marius Zanin added: “Jordan has been a long-standing pillar of our Club and someone who embodies what it means to represent Adelaide United. We thank him for his service and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.”

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Also leaving the club will be midfielder Josh Cavallo who brings an end to his five-year association with the Reds.

Racking up 49 appearances whilst playing a number of different positions of the course of his time with the club, 25-year-old Cavallo also made history in October 2021 when he made history as the world’s first openly gay professional male footballer.

“Adelaide United gave me the platform to grow as a footballer, but more importantly, it gave me a place to grow as a person,” said Cavallo.

“I’ll always be grateful to this Club for embracing me and allowing me to live authentically. The support from my teammates, coaches, staff, and the incredible Reds fans has meant the world to me.”

“Josh’s time at our Club will be remembered for far more than appearances or minutes played,” added Zanin when discussing the midfielder’s impact.

“He helped redefine the role footballers can play in society, and his legacy will live on through the inclusive environment he helped create here at Adelaide United.

As he begins a new chapter, he does so with our admiration and gratitude, where we’ll be following him closely in whatever comes next.”

Finally, the club will also be bidding farewell to English midfielder Ryan Tunnicliffe after two years in Adelaide.

The 32-year-old joined the Reds on a two-year deal ahead of the 2023-24 Isuzu UTE A-League season and went on to make 27 appearances in total during his time in South Australia.

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“I’ve appreciated the experience and the people around the Club,” said Tunnicliffe after it was confirmed he’d be leaving Coopers Stadium.

“I’d like to thank the staff and players for their support, and I wish Adelaide United all the best for the future.”

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A lesser spotted figure during his second season with Adelaide, ex-Fulham, Ipswich Town, Wigan Athletic, Blackburn Rovers, Millwall, Luton Town and Portsmouth midfielder Tunnicliffe featured in just one game under Carl Veart in 2024-25 as competition for places saw his game time severely restricted.

“Ryan brought a great level of professionalism and experience to our squad, and his work ethic was greatly valued by his teammates and staff,” said Adelaide United’s Head of Football, Zanin.

“We thank him for his service and wish him all the best moving forward.”

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