Club update

Read the latest update from the club, including a reflection on the Hyundai A-League season just gone plus other areas of interest.

Hyundai A-League 2011/12 Season
Whichever way you look at it, the season did not deliver the results we all sought. The direct consequence of our finishing position is ongoing public scrutiny of most aspects of our on field operations – coaching, player performance, medical and rehabilitation services. Let’s consider some items in isolation:

Coaching The club saw the need to change coach mid season with John Kosmina taking charge, and he has since been reappointed for next season. Our AFC Champions League campaign has seen a different approach to the matches against better resourced clubs. Part of that has seen a greater emphasis on the defensive aspect resulting in the team winning four and losing just once. At the same time we have scored seven goals whilst conceding only two.

Game Plan The cold hard fact of the AFC Champions League is that if we ‘take on- the strong Asian clubs in the same style in which they play, the chances of success are minimal. Adelaide United is committed to improving its defence in preparation for the Hyundai A-League 2012/13 Season after conceding 44 goals in 2011/12, the highest of any club.

The Squad Unlike last year, we do not expect a large number of changes, as 22 players are already contracted for next season. The depth and quality of a list can dictate the style of play a club must adopt – to change will usually take two years to work through existing contracts. The South Australian component of the squad now contains several young players in Jacob Melling, Teeboy Kamara, Paul Izzo and Evan Kostopoulos. On top of that there is also Osama Malik, Daniel Mullen, Fabian Barberio and Iain Fyfe. However, change in lists is inevitable thus there is sure to be some changes down the track.

Recruiting The club moved swiftly to secure exciting young players Jake Barker-Daish and Daniel Bowles, both from the now defunct Gold Coast United. In addition, we were also fortunate to welcome Iain Fyfe back to the club. Fyfey adds a wealth of stability and experience to the club-s playing ranks.

Injuries During the season much was made of some early injuries in the squad, with reviews of this pointing to a pre season which had questionable intensity. Professional sporting clubs rate the pre season period as being pivotal to a successful campaign and ours is no different with plans already in place for a solid pre season in 2012. It is ironic that the majority of the squad is now fit and healthy with nearly everyone available.

Hindmarsh Stadium
This much publicised issue continues to be a major focus for the club and football across the State. Hindmarsh is both the home match venue for our club and the spiritual home of the code in this State and we are committed to being here.
Whilst participation rates for football are extremely high, the investment in the code pales in comparison to AFL, SANFL and SACA in this State. A thriving Adelaide United can only be good for Hindmarsh and we are committed to working with the Government to that end.

Adelaide United Economic Impact to SA Economy
The Hindmarsh matter should be considered on a much wider scale than just a match day fee. Adelaide United generates a range of economic activity including but not limited to the following:

Training and match day venue fees

Accommodation in Adelaide for Hyundai A-League and National Youth League visiting teams and supporters

Match day catering and wages

Suppliers

Wages and salaries
The club has sought an Independent Consultant to establish the amount of economic activity directly attributable to Adelaide United.

2012/13 Membership & Season Ticket Packages
Packages for next season will be released in June with a range of options for all Adelaie United supporters.

Members Information Night
We are pleased to advise that an information session shall be conducted for all financial members on Monday 18 June 2012. Both football and club updates shall be provided by Coach John Kosmina and CEO Glenn Elliott respectively.

DATE: Monday June 18, 2012 (please note change in date from original date set of 11 June)
TIME: 6pm
WHERE: Hindmarsh Stadium – Reds Room
WHO: 2011/12 Financial Members Only
Click here to RSVP by 31 May 2012 and then click on the Tickets link