A Message of Thanks and Excitement for Reds Supporters

 A Message of Thanks and Excitement for Reds Supporters

Adrian Stenta head coach of Adelaide United during the round 17 A-League Women's match between Adelaide United and Perth Glory at ServiceFM Stadium, on March 11, 2023, in Adelaide, Australia.(Image-Getty)

Dear devoted Reds supporters,

I trust that each of you enjoyed a rejuvenating break during the festive season and are now filled with enthusiasm for the prospects that 2024 holds.

In this momentary respite from the frenetic pace of the new year, I extend my heartfelt New Year wishes to all. As we reflect on the season's mid-point, it is opportune to provide you with an update on the current state of our beloved Club.

On the football front, our A-League Women’s team, under the stewardship of coach Adrian Stenta, has experienced a mixed bag of results. The commendable consecutive victories over Wellington and Western Sydney prior to Christmas marked a well-deserved reward for the team's tireless efforts. Despite encountering setbacks in subsequent matches, we remain optimistic, given that we're only halfway through what happens to be the longest A-League Women’s season ever. We place our unwavering faith in Stents, his dedicated staff, and the players to rally together and vie for a spot in the finals.

Turning to our A-League Men’s side, the team has delivered captivating performances against formidable opponents in the new year. Notably, the come-from-behind triumph over Sydney FC showcased the squad's resilience and capability. With an unbeaten record this calendar year, numerous goal-scoring opportunities, and seasoned players such as Isaías, Ryan Tunnicliffe, Ben Halloran, Zach Clough, and Hiroshi Ibusuki hitting peak form, there is every reason for excitement regarding the team's potential this season, complemented by the stellar performances of our emerging talents.

Following the postponement of Saturday's game against Western United, our men will enjoy a well-deserved break. While it might be somewhat frustrating to interrupt the momentum, the pause could serve as a blessing after an intense period of fixtures. It's heartening to witness the return of players like Josh Cavallo, James Delianov, and the imminent comeback of Harry Van der Saag, akin to having new recruits that significantly elevate the team's spirit.

In the realm of transfers, as the January Transfer Window unfolds, our club remains active in identifying players who align with our system and cultural values. It's noteworthy that we've parted ways with Bernardo, acknowledging his pursuit of another opportunity. While his departure is regrettable, we express gratitude for his contributions to our club.

Before delving further, I must extend congratulations to Isaías for reaching a milestone—his 250th game in all competitions for our Club. His professionalism and character make him one of our finest assets, and we are fortunate to have had him grace our Club for so long. Similarly, kudos to our goalkeeper Joe Gauci, representing our nation admirably at the AFC Asian Cup. His outstanding season fills us with pride, exemplifying the success of our football program in preparing players for international competition.

Shifting focus to player development, our Junior Development Program, led by Marcelo Carrusca, enters its second year, flourishing with over 350 children honing their skills under skilled coaches. Additionally, we've expanded to a new southern location, emphasizing our commitment to nurturing South Australian talent. Introducing the High Performance Program for advanced participants further underscores our dedication to developing the next generation.

Excitement is building for our Club's 20th Anniversary Dinner on January 23, 2024, at Adelaide Oval. It's an occasion to celebrate our achievements, pay tribute to those who paved the way, and envision the future. The night, supported by major partner KOAN Solutions, will feature fundraising initiatives for the Adelaide United Foundation, supporting youth development, education, and community initiatives.

Wishing you and your loved ones a safe, joyous, and prosperous new year filled with success on and off the football pitch.