Adelaide United’s Head of Women’s Football, Ivan Karlović, described losing Dylan Holmes to Swedish champions BK Häcken as a bittersweet feeling.
Holmes joins the Gothenburg-based outfit for an undisclosed fee after an agreement was reached between the two teams.
Holmes will play her last match for Adelaide on Saturday night against Sydney FC Women at Marden Sports Complex before departing for Sweden.
Karlović admitted it was tough to see the Club lose its Captain, but simultaneously was very excited for the central midfielder.
“It is bittersweet,” he told the media at a press conference on Wednesday.
“We’re obviously sad to lose a player like Dylan but at the same time we’re delighted because it’s what we stand for as a football club – giving young females an opportunity here.
“And hopefully progressing into bigger and better things and into stronger leagues and hopefully one day in Dylan’s case is playing for the Matildas and it would be great to see her represent the country.”
Holmes is the Reds’ first female footballer sold by the Club and Karlović believed that is indicative of the improved football program which was implemented in 2017.
“We’ve made no secret every year we’ve looked to try and improve the female program,” he said.
“And I think this move for Dylan and for the Club itself is proof that in what we’re doing is certainly going in the right direction.”
Karlović said Holmes’ transfer to Europe is a ground breaking moment for the Club and is now somewhat of a trailblazer, serving as an inspiration for her teammates.
He insisted more Reds players have the potential to follow in the 23-year-old’s footsteps if they continue to apply themselves.
“I make no secret of the fact that we’ve spent a lot of time over the last few years investing in the program and putting the resources in,” he said.
“And the success of the side over the last few years has been proof of that and I can’t see why not.
“I can’t see why there can’t be other players following in Dylan’s footsteps and Dylan is almost a pioneer now for us as a Club and a role model for some of her younger teammates that they can all do it.
“If they put in the work that Dylan has over the years and I can’t see why they can’t make the same move as her.”
Next match details:
Game date: Saturday, 6 March vs Sydney FC Women
Westfield W-League 2020/21 – Round 11
Kick-off 6.35pm ACDT
Gates open 5.35pm ACDT
Venue: Marden Sports Complex
Broadcast: FOX Sports
Stream: Kayo Sports, MyFootball Live App
