Gertjan Verbeek has been announced as the new coach of Adelaide United

The worst kept secret in Australian football has been confirmed, Gertjan Verbeek has been announced as Adelaide United’s new coach.

Despite being popular and achieving results on the field, Marco Kurz was moved on by the club. (Pic: AAP/Brenton Edwards)

• Coach-in-waiting Verbeek talks and Adelaide United hides
• Victory expected to grab Kurz
• Verbeek says he can make Reds stronger

THE worst secret in Australian football has been confirmed, Gertjan Verbeek has been announced as Adelaide United’s new coach.

After controversially choosing to replace the popular German Marco Kurz, despite him taking the team to within inches of the A-League grand final, The Advertiser revealed earlier this month that Dutchman Verbeek would be the man the club turns to.

The 56-year-old former Feyenoord and AZ Alkmaar boss earlier this month said he was waiting for Reds chairman Piet van de Pol to finalise the details of his pending move to Adelaide, and even said he would like to sign Dutch superstar Arjen Robben.

In a statement on their website early this morning, the club confirmed Verbeek’s appointment on a two-year contract - saying he has an “extensive coaching record” and a “wealth of experience”.

Mr van de Pol said Verbeek was the “perfect man for the club”.

“Gertjan’s history in football is very impressive and to be bringing his experience to Adelaide United will be very beneficial for us and the broader South Australian football community,” he said..

“His passion and love for the game will not only have positive influences on our senior football, but right across our youth and women’s football.

“We are very excited to be appointing Gertjan as our new Head Coach and believe the direction we are heading as a football club through his leadership will unite South Australian football-lovers.”

New Adelaide United coach Gertjan Verbeek while at FC Twente. Picture: Peter Lous/Soccrates/Getty Images

Verbeek, who has also coached Heracles Almelo, Heerenveen, FC Nurnbeg, VfL Bochum and FC Twente in his time in European football said his Adelaide United team would be hardworking and promised high-quality football.

“I am very excited to be joining Adelaide United and cannot wait for this incredible opportunity to begin,” he said.

“I have followed Australian football for a while now and have admired the work ethic and passion Aussies have for the game.”

“I am coming to South Australia to improve the quality of football and establish a hungry and competitive team.

“I can promise the Adelaide United fans that our team will be incredibly hardworking and hope to entertain you all with some high-quality football.”