FOOTBALL Federation Australia's highest-ranked coaching official will endorse Phil Stubbins' coaching CV.

FFA officials last night said the federation's technical director Han Berger would stand by Stubbins' five-star coaching credentials for the vacant Adelaide United job.

Stubbins is one of the leading contenders for the job after the Reds yesterday announced football director Michael Petrillo will head up a new coaching selection committee with FFA.

Former Socceroos Craig Foster, John Perin and Alex Tobin and Reds board member and owner Bruno Marveggio on Wednesday night quit the first coaching panel after the club declared Mike Valkanis would remain as an assistant coach.

I believe I understand Adelaide, the culture and what the supporters expect from the players

Stubbins returned to Adelaide 10 days ago after coaching the AIS and Thailand's Bangkok Glass and Police United.

"With the vacant position as the head coach now available and my previous experiences with the club I certainly feel confident of taking the club if given the opportunity," Stubbins said.

"I believe I understand Adelaide, the culture and what the supporters expect from the players when wearing the red shirt of Adelaide United.

"Reds supporters are intelligent and demand success."

Stubbins played a leading role in helping the Reds achieve an AFC Champions League final and FIFA Club World Cup (2008) and the 2009 A-League grand final.

But Stubbins is not alone.

Adelaide City's Damian Mori, former Melbourne Victory boss Ernie Merrick, ex Brisbane Roar coach Miron Bleiberg and current Bari (Italy) assistant manager Nunzio Zavettieri are also strong candidates.

Former UEFA Champions League coach Zaviettieri was a student of Adelaide's methods in SA last year. The AIS's Tony Vidmar is understood to also be on the radar.