A-League: Carl Veart named as Adelaide United’s head coach
Having impressed in an interim capacity, Carl Veart has been appointed Adelaide United coach for the next two seasons.
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Carl Veart has called for patience as he begins the task of returning Adelaide United to the top of the A-League.
The Reds on Friday confirmed Veart as Gertjan Verbeek’s permanent successor after the Dutch coach left Adelaide during the competition’s COVID-19 enforced break earlier this year.
Veart, who had been Verbeek’s assistant, impressed when taking charge in an interim capacity for the closing stages of the 2019-20 season.
Despite missing out on the top six, the Reds were unbeaten in five matches under Veart, winning two and drawing three.
https://twitter.com/AdelaideUnited/status/1306118118092107776
Veart said the five games were a good launching pad for him and his team but warned there was plenty of work ahead in Adelaide’s bid to win their first A-League title since 2016.
“We’re a little bit unsure about how the playing field’s going to be,” former Reds and Socceroos striker Veart said.
“We’ve definitely got the core group that is good enough to be a challenging side but we definitely need to strengthen our squad if we really want to compete with this big clubs.
“Even though we want to be a club promoting young players, they’ve got to have that mentality where they want to win, and we have to nurture that.”
It’s challenge the 50-year-old Veart will relish.
“This is a wonderful feeling for me, knowing that I’ve been given the honour of coaching this football club,” he said.
“Adelaide United holds a special place in my heart and I cannot wait to get started.
“Being involved with the club during the early days, it’s a unique feeling to be stepping into this position, but one that I believe I’m ready for.
“After being an assistant coach for the majority of last season and then being trusted to take the team following the COVID-19 break, this is definitely a proud moment for me and my family.”
Reds CEO Nathan Kosmina said the club had “an exciting vision for the future of Adelaide United on and off the field” under Veart.
“Culturally, Carl was at the forefront of building what the club means for the South Australian
community in 2003 and it is important this forms part of our pathway for success moving forward,” Kosmina said.
Reds football director Bruce Djite said Veart was the “best person” to coach the club.
“He’s fostered a very positive working environment under extremely difficult circumstances
and, since being at the helm, there has been a noticeable improvement in the team’s performances,” Djite said.
“All the players and staff have the upmost respect for him, which is vital and we wish Carl all the best for the upcoming season.”
Veart is the third man to represent the Reds as a player and coach, following in the footsteps of Aurelio Vidmar and Michael Valkanis.
Originally published as A-League: Carl Veart named as Adelaide United’s head coach