On the 15th anniversary of Adelaide United’s first-ever match, the Club is delighted to announce Aurelio Vidmar has been appointed the Club’s Director of Football and Nathan Kosmina will assume the role of permanent Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
Vidmar, a Club legend and inaugural Captain of the Reds, returns to Adelaide for the first time since 2010 when he departed the Club having served as Head Coach for more than three seasons.
The 51-year-old was the Club’s inaugural skipper in the National Soccer League 2003/04 season, before serving as John Kosmina’s Assistant for the opening two years of the Hyundai A-League.
In 2007, Vidmar was promoted to Head Coach of United and, under his guidance, led the Reds to the 2008 AFC Champions League Final as well as the Hyundai A-League Grand Final in 2009 following a second-place finish in the regular season.
The former Socceroo then left his role at United and joined the Australian National Team set-up in a number of coaching roles. During his six years with Australia, he served as an assistant and caretaker for the Socceroos, as well as the Head Coach of the U-23 and U-20 sides.
Speaking on his appointment as Adelaide United’s Director of Football, Vidmar said: “I’m very excited to be back at Adelaide United.
“It’s quite a different role to previously, but I’ve known Piet (van der Pol, Adelaide United’s Chairman) for quite a long time and when he approached me about his ideas, they immediately piqued my interest.
“In football there are always things that can improve, but what’s important is maintaining great relationships with everyone in the South Australian football community across male, female, and youth participation.
“Some of these improvements are going to take more time than others, but I think the future is definitely looking bright for Adelaide United and football in this state.”
Meanwhile, Kosmina, 35, joined Adelaide United in August 2016 as the Club’s Community Football Manager before assuming the role of Acting CEO in August 2017.
Prior to becoming part of the Reds’ administrative team, Kosmina was Football Federation Australia’s Operations Coordinator for the FFA Cup and National Premier Leagues. He also spent time at Football Federation South Australia as both their Sponsorship and Facilities Manager and Football Development Officer.
“I’m honoured to become the permanent CEO of Adelaide United,” Kosmina said. “I’m privileged to have the opportunity to work in a sport and for a club that I am so passionate about.
“Adelaide United has always meant something special to me and I look forward to contributing to the club’s continued growth.”
Adelaide United Chairman, Piet van der Pol, said he is thrilled to have Vidmar return to the Club, saying: “Aurelio has an extensive background in football and I know he will serve our Club very well as our Director of Football.
“He is a proud South Australian who has represented Adelaide United excellently in the past, both as Head Coach and our first Captain, not to mention his involvement within the Socceroos set-up.
“Not only was he an exceptional player, but he also has a wealth of experience as a coach locally, nationally, and internationally – all of which will be invaluable in helping our Club continue to move forward.”
Whilst on Kosmina’s permanent appointment, van der Pol said: “Since my first day at Adelaide United, Nathan has impressed me with his knowledge and experience about all things related to football and also this Club.
“I am very confident in his abilities to help continue leading this great football club into the future.”
Vidmar’s contract will run until the end of the Hyundai A-League 2020/21 season.
