Reds will look locally to find a replacement for departed head coach Gertjan Verbeek due to overseas travel uncertainty
Adelaide United says its replacement for recently-departed head coach Gertjan Verbeek will almost certainly be an Australian, as COVID-19 travel restrictions cast doubt on possible international candidates.
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Adelaide United chairman Piet van der Pol has conceded the search for the club’s next head coach will almost certainly have to be consigned to Australia after Gertjan Verbeek’s rollercoaster reign as Reds boss came to an end.
And the Reds chairman says the continuation of the COVID-19 imposed shutdown and concerns over the A-League’s television deal is threatening the club’s business model.
The club announced on Wednesday night that they had mutually agreed to part ways with the former Feyenoord boss, just 10 months after the Dutchman arrived at the club.
The exit follows Verbeek’s return to the Netherlands with his family three weeks ago.
Van der Pol said the decision came after weeks of talks between the club and Verbeek.
“Frankly, we don’t know (what the future will bring), we have travel restrictions here in Australia, the Prime Minister says that until we have a cure there will be social distancing measures in place that has a huge effect on our club,” he said.
“Things will not be the same as they are before.
“When you are coming from the other side of the world there are things you have to consider, I think it’s better if we have our hands free and then we will see what the future brings.”
Van der Pol said Verbeek’s desire to give youth players a chance in the first team had begun a “new era of a golden generation of South Australian players”.
The successor to Verbeek looks set to come from Australia, which would be the first time since 2013 Adelaide has had a non-foreign coach.
“It’s more likely that we will be looking at an Australian coach at the moment, also because travel restrictions are in place so practically it would be difficult,” Van der Pol said.
The future of the 2019/20 A-League season is still unclear, and compounding the uncertainty is a stoush over the competition’s broadcast deal.
Foxtel did not pay the final instalment of this year’s TV deal – amid dwindling viewership before the season was suspended – and looks set to try and get out of its contract.
The A-League has threatened legal action over this.
Van der Pol believed a solution would be found, but he did not know when.
“It’s a huge concern, if you can’t sell tickets and there is a problem with the TV deal then we have no business model,” he said.
“It’s a huge concern … (I think) it will be solved but who knows when.”
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France has cancelled the remainder of its competitions and van de Pol said this could also be an option for the A-League.
“Things have to be back to normal, we have to be able to operate as a football club, playing games behind closed doors without a crowd, yeah, that is something you can consider but that should not be the aim,” he said.
“That is the question (whether it should be scrapped) – if you start the competition you want to know who is the best … but how long can you wait?”
Verbeek, Sibon depart Reds
But a club statement on Wednesday said he had asked to be released from his contract, 26 competitive matches into his Australian coaching career.
United also confirmed performance coach Gerlad Sibon, brought to the Reds by his countryman, would not have his one-campaign stay extended.
“Given a number of reasons such as the global health problems, future of the league, difficult financial situation of the club and the need to protect and care for my family, my future as head coach at Adelaide United was insecure,” Verbeek said.
“Based on the uncertain period we are currently in, we mutually agreed to end the contract after one season.
“I would like to thank the Adelaide United fans for supporting me and the team through this period.
“It was a great triumph to win the FFA Cup this season and I’m very proud of this accomplishment.
“The coronavirus has made it a very difficult and insecure situation for everyone.
“But I hope the team, the staff and everyone’s families all remain safe and healthy during these challenging times.”
Verbeek had experienced a mixed debut campaign with the Reds since landing in SA as Marco Kurz’s successor last June.
The ex-FC Twente and AZ Alkmaar manager also blooded emerging talents such as African-born brothers Al Hassan and Mohamed Toure, and homegrown midfielder Louis D’Arrigo.
But two runs of four-straight defeats, compounded by a string of injuries to key personnel, had left Adelaide adrift of a finals berth when the competition was halted.
Verbeek’s last game in charge was the lacklustre 3-0 home loss to Newcastle Jets on March 15.
United chairman Piet van der Pol, who was instrumental in luring his compatriot to the club, paid tribute to his brief tenure.
“We are grateful for Gertjan’s hard work and for what he did for our football club over the past 10-or-so months,” van der Pol said.
“Not only has he given some of our young players a chance at professional football, he also helped guide us to our third FFA Cup trophy.
“I would like to thank Gertjan for everything he has done at Adelaide United and on behalf of the club, our members and supporters, and our partners, wish him the best for his future.
“I would also like to announce that we will not be renewing the contract of our performance coach Gerald Sibon.
“We thank Gerald for his great efforts and for his work in developing our club too.
“In due course we will assess the situation and will make the appropriate coaching staff decisions based on the status of the league.”
Adelaide has employed only foreign coaches since 2013.
Spaniards Josep Gombau and Guillermo Amor, as well as German Kurz, matched Verbeek in bringing silverware to Hindmarsh.
But the club is believed to be keen on a homegrown mentor, seven years after caretaker Michael Valkanis was the last Australian in the hot seat.
Assistant Carl Veart appears a ready-made option to step into the top job, having returned this season to the hometown club he served with distinction as a player.
The likes of fellow Croweaters Tony Vidmar, John Aloisi and Joe Mullen might also be in the frame.