Dutchman Gerald Sibon joins Adelaide United backroom team in new performance coach role
Gerlad Sibon has been installed as the final part of Adelaide United’s new-look backroom team in a role aimed at helping more young talents progress to the Reds’ first team.
Dutchman Gerlad Sibon has been installed as the final part of Adelaide United’s new-look backroom team.
The former Melbourne Heart, now City, striker was confirmed as the Reds’ performance coach on Tuesday, three weeks after touching down in SA.
Sibon’s appointment had initially been delayed as he awaited a working visa.
But the 45-year-old would now officially join United in a new role aimed at improving the pathway for young talents from the club’s youth ranks to its first team.
Sibon would link up with new manager and countryman Gertjan Verbeek, as well as recently-appointed assistant coach Carl Veart and goalkeeper mentor Eugene Galekovic.
“This is a very exciting opportunity for me to be here at Adelaide United,” Sibon said.
“I am very passionate about all levels of football.
“I’m looking forward to working alongside Gertjan, Carl and Eugene for the upcoming season to develop our senior players, but also the younger talent we have in our youth teams.
“Having played in the A-League before, I have experience in this competition and have very fond memories of my time in Australia.
“The hard work begins now and I cannot wait to get deep into preparations for the new season.”
Sibon scored seven goals in 27 A-League games for Heart in 2010/11.
The ex-Ajax, PSV and Sheffield Wednesday hitman also played under Verbeek at SC Heerenveen for two years, later becoming an assistant coach at the Dutch top fight outfit.
Sibon would be responsible for overseeing Adelaide’s underage sides and helping more players progress to the senior ranks.
He would also work closely with the club’s forwards at all levels.
Reds director of football Bruce Djite said Sibon’s playing CV and coaching knowledge made him a strong candidate to address an area of concern.
“To add Gerald to our backroom staff for the upcoming season is another significant coup for the club and especially for the players,” Djite said.
“Our backroom staff is now fully in-place and in-line with the culture we’re looking to develop over the next few seasons and longer-term at the club.
“Since taking on the director of football role, the most alarming feedback I received was the complete disconnect between the youth teams and the first team during the last few seasons.
“A key component of this role will see Gerald dedicated to integrating youth players into senior football and to create better synergies between our youth set up and the first team squad.”