Adelaide United chairman Piet van der Pol outlines targets for Reds this coming A-League season

Adelaide United’s owners have targeted a top-three finish and more first-team chances for youngsters this A-League season. But the Reds claim they will not become a feeder club for rival teams.

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A top-three finish, backed by record spending and greater first-team opportunities for homegrown youngsters, is Adelaide United’s target for this coming A-League season.

But the Reds would not become a “feeder club” for rival teams, despite the loss of captain Isaias, and again expected to challenge for trophies, according to their ownership consortium.

United chairman Piet van der Pol outlined his goals for next campaign in an open letter to members this week.

The Reds aimed to boost home crowds, reach the W-League finals for the first time and build closer links with China.

But van der Pol said improving on last season’s fourth place was the priority for the FFA Cup holder under incoming Dutch coach Gertjan Verbeek.

The Reds boss said retaining 19 players, and locking key men such as Craig Goodwin, Mirko Boland and Michael Jakobsen to multi-year deals, had provided a platform to build upon.

Adelaide United chairman Piet van der Pol has targeted a top-three finish for the Reds this coming A-League season. Picture: Dylan Coker

“Our short-term and long-term visions of the club are that we endeavour to be a top-three side every year,” wrote van der Pol, as he approached his second full campaign at the helm.

“To achieve this, we must sign quality players who possess elite attributes to complement the current players in our squad, both on the park and in the changeroom.

“We must also build a culture where players want to be a part of this club and will join our team over others.

“Stability in any team is a key pillar for success and we believe we have a solid foundation with just a few new additions needed to complement the squad.

“Of course the departure of our spiritual leader, Isaias, is a loss for the team, however we will do our utmost to replace one of our greatest servants as he explores an opportunity abroad.

“This starts with the club spending the most it has ever spent on players, as we work to identify a suitable, goalscoring forward, as well as bolstering our midfield and defence.

The loss of inspirational captain Isaias has created an off-season headache for Adelaide United. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

“But for now, it is important for Gertjan to arrive in Adelaide and begin pre-season with the team, assessing the exact types of individuals that we require, both foreign and Australian.”

Van der Pol said returning greats Bruce Djite, as director of football, and Eugene Galekovic, as goalkeeper coach, would help the club reconnect with the community.

He said creating a “production line” of youth players ready to progress to the senior ranks and maintaining an SA identity across all teams were among other targets.

“That being said we do not want to turn into a feeder club for other teams in the league and lose that competitiveness and ability to fight for trophies,” van der Pol said.

“So there must be an appropriate balance between youth and experience — which is ultimately measured by winning matches.

“A common misconception about developing youth players is that it’s all about selling them for a profit. But it is quite simply not true.

SA-born star Craig Goodwin is one several key Adelaide United players tied to multi-year contracts. Picture: AAP Image/David Mariuz

“It’s about developing our own to where we can have a ‘next man up’ mentality and not rely on one single superstar.”

Van der Pol said Adelaide aimed to eclipse last summer’s sixth-place W-League finish — the Reds’ best result — when it missed the playoffs by one point.

Women’s coach Ivan Karlovic would retain the core of his squad, again complimented by experienced foreigners.

Van der Pol said membership prices were their cheapest since 2014 in a bid to fill Hindmarsh for games and create an “intimidating and electric atmosphere” for visiting teams.

Average home crowds dropped to 9295 last season — the second-lowest in the club’s history.

He said United aimed to support local trade and investment via its sister club relationship with Chinese third-tier side Qingdao Red Lions and seek potential “international partners”.

Adelaide’s A-League squad was due to begin pre-season training under Verbeek on July 1.